Magnesium is a mineral essential for muscle growth, nerve function, bone strength, and energy production. It can only be obtained through food and is absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine. Only 1% of the body's magnesium is found in the blood, with the rest stored in bones, cells, and tissues.
Magnesium deficiency in the body is typically caused by nutritional issues, malabsorption syndrome, or excessive magnesium excretion through the kidneys. Hypermagnesemia occurs when magnesium-rich antacids are used excessively or when the kidneys lose the ability to excrete magnesium properly.
- Sample: Blood collected from a vein.
- Preparation: Fast for 8-12 hours before the test.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress, as well as alcohol consumption, before the test.
- Chronically low levels of calcium and potassium in the blood
- Muscle weakness
- Arrhythmia
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Kidney diseases
Causes of Increased Magnesium Levels (Hypermagnesemia):
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Addison's disease
- Trauma
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Multiple myeloma
Causes of Decreased Magnesium Levels (Hypomagnesemia):
- Dietary deficiency in acute pancreatitis
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Post-surgical states
- Severe burns
- Preeclampsia