Magnesium in the blood is essential for numerous body functions. It plays a critical role in over 300 enzyme reactions, including those involved in energy production, DNA and protein synthesis, and regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, maintaining a regular heartbeat, and supporting a healthy immune system. It also contributes to bone health, acting in concert with calcium and vitamin D.
Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues. These include muscle cramps or spasms, weakness, and tremors. Neurological symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and decreased memory can also occur. Severe magnesium deficiency can affect heart rhythm, potentially leading to arrhythmias. Magnesium deficiency can impair vitamin D function and vitamins B1 and B6 utilisation. Common causes of low magnesium levels include inadequate dietary intake, alcoholism, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain medications. High levels of calcium can hinder magnesium absorption.
Hypermagnesemia, or high magnesium levels, is less common but can be serious. It typically occurs due to excessive supplementation or in individuals with impaired kidney function who cannot adequately excrete magnesium. Symptoms of high magnesium levels include nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, urinary retention, lethargy, and in severe cases, heart problems like low blood pressure and cardiac arrest. High levels of magnesium can reduce the absorption and utilization of calcium, potentially weakening bones and affecting muscle function.
To maintain healthy blood magnesium levels:
Ensure an adequate intake of magnesium through a balanced diet that includes leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
Manage underlying health conditions that may affect magnesium levels, such as gastrointestinal disorders or kidney disease, in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Be mindful of the interaction between magnesium and other nutrients, such as calcium. Maintain a balanced intake of these nutrients to optimize their absorption and utilization.
Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake can contribute to magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium can be measured in: mEq/L, mg/100mL, mg/dL, mg/L, mg%, mmol/L, µg/mL, µmol/L
Reference ranges represent typical values for healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider must interpret your specific results.
| Age Range | Gender | Unit | Optimal | Normal | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All ages | All genders | mmol/L | - | 0.65 - 1.05 | Pagana, 2019 |
Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties. Low magnesium levels have been linked to chronic inflammation, as magnesium deficiency can increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. Ensuring adequate magnesium levels can help mitigate inflammatory responses.[Nielsen, 2018][Maier, 2021]
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Magnesium is a cofactor for thiamine-dependent enzymes. Adequate magnesium levels are necessary for the proper functioning of these enzymes, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. A deficiency in magnesium can impair the activation and utilization of thiamine.[Lonsdale, 2015][Rifai, 2023][Osiezagha, 2013][Peake, 2013]
Calcium and Magnesium compete for absorption and an imbalance in one of them may affect the availability of the other[Dai, 2013][Bertinato, 2014].
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