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Magnesium

(Mg)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

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.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions about Magnesium

Q. What is Hypomagnesia?

Hypomagnesia is a condition where the blood magnesium levels are below the normal range. This may occur due to: · Low dietary consumption of magnesium, commonly seen in the elderly, malnutrition, or chronic alcoholism · Digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease · Chronic diarrhea · Severe burns resulting in extensive tissue damage · Insulin treatment especially in uncontrolled diabetes · Hypoparathyroidism or low secretion of parathyroid hormone · Hyperaldosteronism or excessive secretion of hormone aldosterone · Liver cirrhosis · Hemodialysis · Inflammation of the pancreas gland or pancreatitis · Long term diuretic treatment · Inflammation of the intestinal lining · Pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

Q. What are the symptoms of Hypomagnesia?

Symptoms of chronic Hypomagnesia include: · Nausea · Appetite loss · Weakness and fatigue · Calcium deficiency · Confusion and dizziness · Muscle twitches and cramps · Tingling sensation or feeling of numbness · Abnormal heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmia · Seizures Short term or mild deficiency of magnesium usually produces very little symptoms. This happens because the body can augment mild magnesium deficiency by releasing magnesium stored in bones and tissues. Symptoms appear in case of chronic or long term deficiency of magnesium.

Q. What is Hypermagnesia?

Hypermagnesia is the condition where blood magnesium levels rise higher than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Loss of kidney functioning or complete renal failure in End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) · Hyperparathyroidism or excess secretion of parathyroid hormone · Hypoaldosteronism or low secretion of hormone aldosterone as in Addison’s Disease · Hypothyroidism or low secretion of the hormones of thyroid gland · Overuse of antacids and laxatives containing magnesium · Dehydration · Diabetic ketoacidosis

Q. What are the symptoms of Hypermagnesia?

Symptoms of Hypermagnesia are non-specific and similar to Hypomagnesia, which includes: · Nausea and vomiting · Muscular weakness and fatigue · Appetite loss · Irregular heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Magnesium test?

An overnight period of fasting is required before the blood sample is collected for the test. Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. Medicines containing magnesium like antacids (that contain magnesium), laxatives (such as milk of magnesia or Epsom salts), magnesium supplements, and some diuretics should not be taken for at least 3 days before this test. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. When can false results appear in the Magnesium Test?

False results may appear in the Magnesium test in case of mild deficiency or in the early stages of deficiency as the body tries to bring magnesium levels to normal by releasing magnesium stored in bones and tissues into the blood. Magnesium levels are also generally reduced in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Some medications can elevate or lower blood magnesium levels.

Q. Which food items are good source of magnesium?

Dietary sources form the principal source of magnesium. Some very commonly available food items rich in magnesium are: · Green leafy vegetables like spinach · Fruits like bananas · Legumes like beans, chickpeas · Cabbage · Broccoli · Seafood · Whole grains

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal Magnesium test result?

Others tests that may be prescribed upon appearance of an abnormal result in the blood magnesium test include: Urine Magnesium Test Electrolyte Panel Test Kidney Function Test Blood Phosphate Test Blood Calcium Test

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