Magnesium Test

Magnesium is a chemical element needed in our body in appropriate amounts to carry out numerous functions. Magnesium has the following functions in the body - Maintaining a healthy immune system, Promoting strong bone strength, Regulating normal muscle function, Keeping the nerves in control, and Checking the blood glucose levels in the body.

A Magnesium Test helps to keep these levels of Magnesium in the body in check. A high amount of Magnesium in the body can lead to a condition called hypermagnesemia. A low amount of Magnesium in the body can lead to a condition called hypomagnesemia.

The Magnesium levels in the body are usually checked via a blood sample

A Magnesium Test is usually prescribed to check for the severity of kidney-related diseases. It is also done to check the levels of Calcium and Phosphorus in the blood. This is because low levels of Magnesium can also lead to low levels of these elements, as Magnesium is an important part of the Calcium Regulation Cycle in the body. The Calcium Regulation Cycle is responsible for maintaining the level of calcium in the body.

In the Indian subcontinent, a low magnesium intake is increasingly linked to osteoporosis conditions, especially in women. Osteoporosis is a bone condition in which the density of the bones becomes alarmingly low and the bones become porous or weak or fragile.

Magnesium is essential in maintaining bone strength and calcium levels in the body and therefore calls for regular Magnesium levels. Regular Magnesium Testing would not only promote better bone health but also help to keep other diseases at bay.

Other names of magnesium tests:

• Magnesium
• Mg

What does the magnesium test measure and who is this prescribed for?

A magnesium test measures the levels of the chemical elements in our body through a blood sample. This helps to correct any abnormality in the normal levels of magnesium in the body, that is if it is high or low.

It is prescribed for conditions that can lead to the deficiency of magnesium:

• People who are alcoholic
• People who have poor nutrition intake
• Diabetic patients
• Chronic Diarrhoea
• After specific surgeries
• Serious burns
• Crohn’s Disease (Digestive Disorder)
• Hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone)

High levels of magnesium in the body are rarely due to dietary reasons. The major reason is either trouble in eliminating magnesium from the body or overconsumption of supplements containing magnesium. Increased levels are seen in cases of:

• Dehydration
• After consumption of antacids and laxatives (medicines to stimulate bowel movements) containing magnesium
• A person suffering from Addison's Disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands)
• Hyperparathyroidism (high parathyroid hormone)
• End-stage Renal Disease (Disorder of the kidneys)

Both males and females can be candidates for the magnesium test. Children and adults can also be tested for magnesium based on their conditions and signs and symptoms.

If the value of magnesium in the blood falls below the normal range, it means that there is a deficiency of magnesium in the body. Low levels of magnesium in the body can be due to multiple reasons like not enough intake of Magnesium through dietary procedures, having any kidney-related disorders, improper absorption of Magnesium in the body or excessive elimination of Magnesium from the body. Alcoholism is also a major factor for low levels of Magnesium in the blood.

If the value of magnesium in the blood is above the normal range, it means that there is an excess of magnesium in the body. High levels of magnesium in the body can be due to limited excretion from the body. It is usually seen in people who rely on magnesium supplements and tend to take higher doses of the supplements than needed. Dietary sources are rarely a reason for the excess magnesium in the body. In case of such a condition, the use of supplements should be immediately discontinued (if used).

The results of the Magnesium Test are analysed based on a blood sample.

Test Preparation

The magnesium test usually does not involve a lot of special preparations beforehand, like fasting. However, some doctors might recommend fasting overnight before taking the blood test. A blood sample is drawn similar to any other blood test, which is by drawing blood from a vein in the arm. This procedure takes less than five minutes.

During the test, when the needle is inserted to draw blood.

Certain medications also affect the results of a magnesium test. It is important to inform the doctor about any current or over-the-counter medications being consumed at this point. Supplements containing magnesium need to be stopped before taking the test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

This test includes one parameter magnesium level in the blood. The following are other parameters that are assessed along with a magnesium test:

• Checking the calcium supplementation in the body
• Electrolyte balance of the body

These test inclusions help diagnose certain conditions related to magnesium deficiency or excess Magnesium in the body. When a person has chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption or is malnourished, there is an increasing chance of being Magnesium deficient.

The signs and symptoms of being deficient in magnesium include:

• Twitching of muscles
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures (In severe cases)

In these cases, detecting the abnormality is essential through Magnesium Testing to restore the normal levels of Magnesium in the body and prevent severe conditions.

Sometimes, reduced excretion from the body or over-intake of Magnesium can lead to increased levels of magnesium in the body. A person might consume excess magnesium when taking antacids as most antacids contain a good amount of this element. Antacids are medications used to treat and prevent acidity, mostly in the stomach.

The signs and symptoms of having high Magnesium are:

• Trouble while breathing
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• The sudden stopping of the heart (Cardiac arrest) in severe cases

How frequently should you take this test?

Magnesium Testing is not part of routine blood work testing. It is usually recommended if a person has low calcium or phosphorus levels. A doctor also orders this test if a person has malabsorption or malnutrition problems.

People who suffer from diseases like diabetes, chronic diarrhoea or kidney problems require routine Magnesium testing.

Hypomagnesemia, Hypermagnesemia, Diabetes, Kidney Disorders