Magnesium
Understanding Magnesium
What is Magnesium?
A magnesium blood test is performed to measure magnesium levels in the blood and to monitor treatment efficacy of magnesium supplements. Magnesium is a mineral that plays an essential role in metabolism, nerve functioning, and maintenance of healthy bones. Its deficiency can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and muscle twitch.
A level lower than the normal amount is called magnesium deficiency, it may be a sign of malnutrition and diabetes. If your results show a higher than normal amount of magnesium, it may be a sign of dehydration and kidney disease.
What is Magnesium used for?
The Magnesium Test is performed:
· As a part of regular health checkups to measure magnesium levels in the blood
· Upon the appearance of symptoms indicating magnesium deficiency like muscular weakness, muscle twitch or cramps, irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, etc.
· To monitor treatment efficacy of magnesium supplements at regular intervals
· As a part of checkups for evaluating kidney diseases, malnutrition, diarrhea, and alcoholism
Interpreting Magnesium results
Interpretations
Normal range: 0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L (1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL approx.)
Hypomagnesia: Below 0.85 mmol/L (Less than 1.7 mg/dL approx.)
Hypermagnesia: Above 1.10 mmol/L (Above 2.2 mg/dL approx.)
Magnesium concentration in the body is maintained within a narrow normal range between 0.85 mmol/L and 1.10 mmol/L.
Hypomagnesia or low blood magnesium is indicated if magnesium concentration lies below the normal range.
Hypermagnesia or high blood magnesium is indicated if magnesium concentration lies above the normal range.