Introduction
A magnesium blood test can gauge the amount of magnesium present in the bloodstream, which is an electrolyte and an essential type of electrically charged mineral responsible for many critical body functions and processes. Magnesium is crucial for the health of muscles, neurons, and the heart. It also has a major impact on blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Even though most of the magnesium in the body is stored in the bones and cells, a minor amount is present in the blood. Magnesium levels in the bloodstream that are either high or low may point to a serious health problem.
What Is Magnesium?
Mineral magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels in the body. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including:
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Converting food into energy.
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Regulating blood pressure.
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Facilitating the absorption of calcium and potassium by cells.
Most of the magnesium that the body needs is obtained from the foods that a person consumes. Foods rich in magnesium include:
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Green vegetables, legumes, and beans.
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Nuts and seeds.
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Whole grains.
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Some types of shellfish.
Approximately one-third of the magnesium in the body is located on the surface of the bones, while the rest is present in the muscles and soft tissues. Only a small fraction of magnesium, roughly one percent, is present in the bloodstream.
What Is the Use of a Magnesium Blood Test?
To evaluate the magnesium levels in the bloodstream, a magnesium blood test is administered. Magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, is more frequent than hypermagnesemia, which is an excessive amount of magnesium in the blood. A magnesium blood test can be accompanied by examinations of other electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, potassium, and chloride.
The health care provider may order a magnesium blood test if a person has symptoms of low or high magnesium levels.
Symptoms of low magnesium include:
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Weakness.
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Muscle cramps and/or twitching.
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Confusion.
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Irregular heartbeat.
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Seizures (in severe cases).
Symptoms of high magnesium include:
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Muscle weakness.
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Fatigue.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Trouble breathing.
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Cardiac arrest, the sudden stopping of the heart (in severe cases).
Women may also need this test if they are pregnant. In pregnant women, a shortage of magnesium can indicate the onset of preeclampsia, a severe form of hypertension. In addition, the provider may order this test if someone has a health problem that can cause a magnesium deficiency. These include malnutrition, alcoholism, and diabetes.
In rare cases, an excessive intake of magnesium can lead to cardiac arrest or death. It is not common to overdose on magnesium through food alone. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has compiled a list of foods that are high in magnesium, including shredded wheat cereal, dry-roasted almonds, and boiled spinach. However, each serving of these foods only provides around 20 percent of the daily recommended magnesium intake. Magnesium overdose is more frequently caused by taking too many magnesium supplements.
Individuals may choose to take these supplements to relieve symptoms of certain conditions, such as diabetes, alcohol use disorder, Crohn's disease, or malabsorption of nutrients. Supplements may also be recommended for individuals with low levels of potassium and calcium in their blood.
What Is the Procedure?
A magnesium blood test is a medical test used to measure the level of magnesium in the blood. Here is the general procedure for a magnesium blood test:
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Preparation: The patient may be asked to fast for several hours before the test. They should also inform their doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbs they are taking, as they may affect the test results.
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Blood Sample Collection: A healthcare provider will collect a sample of the blood by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. They will clean the area with an antiseptic and then insert the needle to draw blood into a tube or vial.
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Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory technician will measure the level of magnesium in the blood.
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Results: The healthcare provider will review the results with the patient. If the magnesium level is outside the normal range, the doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause and recommend treatment options.
What Does a Normal Result Mean?
The typical range for magnesium levels in the bloodstream is 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL (0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L), although this range may differ slightly between various testing facilities. It is important to consult with the healthcare provider to interpret the individual test results accurately, as different labs may employ alternative measurements or test distinct samples.
What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
1. Possible Causes of Elevated Magnesium Levels Include:
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Insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency).
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Diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition that affects people with diabetes.
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Usage of lithium medication.
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Reduced kidney function, either in the acute or chronic phase.
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Fluid loss from the body due to dehydration.
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Milk-alkali syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive calcium levels in the body.
2. Potential Causes of Low Magnesium Levels Include:
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Alcohol use disorder.
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Overproduction of aldosterone hormone by the adrenal glands (hyperaldosteronism).
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Increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream (hypercalcemia).
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Impaired kidney function.
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Chronic diarrhea.
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Use of specific medications like proton pump inhibitors (for GERD), water pills (diuretics), aminoglycoside antibiotics, Amphotericin, Cisplatin, or calcineurin inhibitors.
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Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
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Poorly controlled diabetes.
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Urine protein and high blood pressure in pregnant women (preeclampsia).
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Inflammation of the colon and rectum lining (ulcerative colitis).
Is There Any Risk Involved During the Test?
The likelihood of any adverse effects resulting from having blood drawn is low. Veins and arteries differ in size among individuals and may also vary between the left and right sides of the body, meaning that taking blood from some people may be more challenging than others.
Other potential risks could include:
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Excessive bleeding.
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Feeling faint or lightheaded.
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Multiple attempts were made to locate veins through a puncture.
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Hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin).
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Infection (a slight risk that arises whenever the skin is penetrated).
Conclusion
In conclusion, magnesium is a necessary mineral that is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves as well as controlling blood sugar levels. Most people get sufficient magnesium through their diet, but in some cases, supplements may be necessary. Abnormal magnesium levels can indicate underlying health conditions and a blood test is necessary to diagnose magnesium deficiencies or excesses.
