Magnesium Blood Test: Everything You Need to Know

What Does Magnesium Do for the Body?

Magnesium is a vital mineral that supports a wide array of physiological processes in the body, according to MedlinePlus. They explain that it acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, facilitating essential biochemical pathways that keep the body functioning optimally.

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, some key activities in the body that involve magnesium include:

• Neurological and muscular activity

• Blood pressure management

• Glucose regulation

• Metabolic energy generation

• Biosynthesis of proteins

• Bone mass maintenance

• Genetic repair and DNA synthesis

Foods High in Magnesium

Maintaining adequate magnesium levels through diet is essential for overall health, as it is necessary to support numerous bodily functions. Fortunately, magnesium can be found in a variety of delicious and nutritious foods, according to MedlinePlus — making it easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

Here are some foods that are particularly high in magnesium, as noted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Pumpkin seeds

• Cashews

• Almonds

• Dark chocolate

• Avocados

• Black beans

• Cooked spinach

• Whole grains

Why Are Magnesium Blood Tests Performed?

Magnesium blood tests are essential diagnostic tools used to measure the levels of magnesium in the blood, according to MedlinePlus. They explain that this helps healthcare providers assess whether an individual has adequate, deficient, or excessive amounts of this essential mineral. These tests are particularly important because imbalances in magnesium levels can lead to a variety of health issues, impacting numerous bodily functions, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Northwestern Medicine notes that doctors may recommend a magnesium blood test when they observe symptoms that suggest a magnesium deficiency, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, or irregular heartbeats. In children, signs of deficiency might also include growth issues or behavioral changes, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Conversely, symptoms of magnesium overdose, such as nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and cardiac problems, can also prompt a doctor to order this test, according to MedlinePlus.

Both adults and children can experience magnesium imbalances, making it important for healthcare providers to monitor magnesium levels when there are signs of potential issues, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. They note that by identifying and addressing these imbalances early on, doctors can recommend appropriate dietary changes, supplements, or other treatments to restore optimal magnesium levels and improve overall health.

Causes of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency, while not very common, can occur due to a variety of underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors according to MedlinePlus. They note that some common causes of magnesium deficiency include:

• Alcohol use disorder

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Chronic diarrhea

• Kidney disease

• Pancreatitis

• High blood pressure

• Poor dietary intake

• Gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's disease

• Certain medications, such as diuretics and antibiotics

• Age-related factors, as older adults are more prone to deficiencies

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Recognizing the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, according to MedlinePlus. They note that this is because this mineral is essential for numerous bodily functions. They explain that a magnesium deficiency can manifest in various ways, often affecting both physical and mental health.

Here are some common symptoms of magnesium deficiency, as listed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Shaking and muscle spasms

• Numbness and cramping in extremities

• Unusual eye movements (nystagmus)

• Fatigue and weakness

• Convulsions

• Mental fog

• Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia)

• Appetite loss

Causes of Too Much Magnesium

While magnesium is vital for health, excessive levels can lead to serious health issues, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They note that this typically results from the overuse of supplements rather than dietary sources.

Here are some common causes of having too much magnesium, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Insufficient production of certain hormones

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

• Lithium use

• Loss of kidney function

• Dehydration

• High levels of calcium in the body

Symptoms of Too Much Magnesium

Understanding the symptoms of excessive magnesium intake is important, as too much of this essential mineral can lead to adverse health effects according to MedlinePlus. They note that overconsumption, often due to excessive supplement use, can disrupt normal bodily functions and require medical intervention.

Here are some common symptoms of having too much magnesium, as listed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Mental fog

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Gastric distress like abdominal cramps

• Reduced heart rate

• Hypotension

What Are the Normal Magnesium Levels?

Maintaining normal magnesium levels is essential for overall health, as this mineral plays a pivotal role in numerous bodily functions, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. They note that in adults, the normal range for serum magnesium levels typically falls between 1.7 and 2.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). These values can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific testing methods used according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. It's important to note that levels outside this range may indicate either a deficiency or an excess of magnesium, both of which can have significant health implications.

For children, the normal magnesium levels can also differ slightly based on age and developmental stage, according to MedlinePlus. Generally, pediatric reference ranges are set by age groups to account for the varying needs of growing bodies. Regular monitoring of magnesium levels through blood tests can help ensure that both adults and children maintain optimal health and avoid complications associated with imbalances, they note.

Other Types of Magnesium Tests

In addition to the commonly used serum magnesium test, there are several other types of magnesium tests that healthcare providers may utilize to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's magnesium status, according to MedlinePlus. They explain that these alternative tests can offer insights into how magnesium is being utilized and stored in the body.

Here are some other types of magnesium tests, as noted by MedlinePlus:

• Magnesium Red Blood Cell Test: This test measures the amount of magnesium within the red blood cells, providing a more accurate reflection of the magnesium levels inside the cells rather than just in the bloodstream. It can be particularly useful for detecting chronic magnesium deficiencies.

• Magnesium Urine Test: This test evaluates the amount of magnesium excreted in the urine over 24 hours. It helps in assessing how much magnesium is being lost through the kidneys, which can be indicative of various conditions affecting magnesium metabolism and renal function.

• Magnesium EXA Test: The EXA test measures the magnesium content in epithelial cells obtained from the mouth's mucosal lining. This test can offer a more precise assessment of intracellular magnesium levels, providing valuable information about long-term magnesium status and cellular health.