Link Between Magnesium Deficiency and Increased Risk of Overactive Bladder

Recent research has found a significant association between magnesium deficiency and a heightened risk of developing overactive bladder (OAB). The study, published online on September 1, 2025, in Scientific Reports, analyzed data from over 28,600 U.S. adults aged 20 to 80 years, collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2018.

The researchers focused on the magnesium depletion score (MgDS), which quantifies magnesium deficiency levels. Their findings revealed that individuals with higher MgDS had a markedly increased likelihood of experiencing OAB symptoms. Specifically, each one-point increase in MgDS was associated with approximately a 9% rise in the odds of having OAB. Participants categorized in the middle or high MgDS groups showed 17% and 20% greater odds of OAB, respectively, compared to those with low MgDS.

The study highlighted certain groups as particularly susceptible, including women, nonsmokers, middle-aged adults (40–60 years), and those with obesity. The authors suggest that magnesium depletion could play a direct role in the underlying mechanisms of OAB, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium levels for bladder health.

This research underscores the potential benefit of magnesium management in preventing or alleviating symptoms of overactive bladder, emphasizing the need for further studies to explore supplementation options and dietary considerations. Addressing magnesium deficiency could become a key part of strategies aimed at reducing OAB prevalence.

For more detailed information, the full study is available in Scientific Reports (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-magnesium-depletion-linked-overactive-bladder.html