Magnesium
Test & Package Details
Magnesium is a mineral vital for energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and the maintenance of strong bones. It enters the body through the diet and is absorbed by the small intestine and colon. A magnesium blood test can be used to evaluate the mineral level in your blood and help determine the cause of abnormal levels of magnesium, calcium, and/or potassium.
Function in the Body
Your body needs magnesium to help your muscles, nerves, and heart work properly. Magnesium also helps control blood pressure and blood glucose, also called blood sugar. It’s important for building strong bones, and it supports your immune system.
Symptoms of Deficiency
A low magnesium level is also called magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia. This condition is more common than levels that are too high.
Symptoms of hypomagnesemia:
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Numbness and/or tingling
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
A high magnesium level is also called hypermagnesemia. This condition is uncommon. Most cases happen in people who have kidney failure.
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia:
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal (belly) cramping
• Cardiac arrest from extremely high levels of magnesium