Magnesium

Overview

Magnesium is an essential mineral found in every cell of the body, playing a pivotal role in over 300 biochemical reactions. It is vital for muscle and nerve function, regulating heart rhythm, and maintaining bone strength. Magnesium helps convert food into energy, supports protein synthesis, and is necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis. It also assists in maintaining normal blood pressure and glucose levels. The body’s magnesium levels are primarily regulated by the kidneys, which filter and excrete excess magnesium through urine. Both high and low levels of magnesium can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms ranging from muscle cramps and fatigue to more severe issues like cardiac arrhythmias.

Testing Levels:

• High (1.1 mmol/L) - Elevated magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia) are rare and often occur due to kidney dysfunction, where the kidneys fail to excrete excess magnesium. It can also result from excessive magnesium intake through supplements or antacids. High magnesium levels can cause symptoms like nausea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
  
  
• Mid - Normal magnesium levels indicate that your body’s magnesium balance is well-regulated, supporting healthy muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. A balanced diet typically provides adequate magnesium for most people.
  
  Magnesium levels near the upper limit could indicate the beginning of an imbalance, often due to excessive supplementation or mild kidney issues. Monitoring and adjusting magnesium intake and hydration can help maintain balance.
  
  Magnesium levels close to the lower end might suggest a potential deficiency, often seen in individuals with dietary insufficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, or high alcohol consumption. It’s important to monitor symptoms like mild muscle cramps or fatigue and consider dietary adjustments or supplements.
  
  
• Low (0.7 mmol/L) - Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can result from inadequate dietary intake, chronic diseases, certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms include muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms. Severe deficiency may require medical intervention to correct.

Why We Test Magnesium

Testing magnesium levels is essential for diagnosing deficiencies or excesses that can lead to health issues. It's particularly important for individuals with conditions affecting nutrient absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, those on medications that affect magnesium levels (like diuretics or certain antibiotics), and patients with symptoms like muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or fatigue. It’s also useful for monitoring overall health, especially in athletes, pregnant women, and the elderly.

What Affects It

Factors influencing magnesium levels include diet, gastrointestinal health, kidney function, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Conditions like diabetes, chronic diarrhoea, and excessive sweating can also impact magnesium levels.

How to Improve

To manage high magnesium levels, reducing supplementation and addressing any underlying kidney issues is crucial. For low levels, increasing dietary intake of magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains) and considering supplements can help. Staying hydrated and monitoring overall health with a healthcare provider ensures balanced magnesium levels.

Common Name: Magnesium