Magnesium Test
Last Updated December 20th, 2021
What is Magnesium and what are its functions in the body?
Magnesium is a very important mineral nutrient in our bodies. It is obtained from our regular food supplements and diet. Magnesium is mostly present in our bones. Lesser than 1% of magnesium is present in our bloodstream. Magnesium plays various significant roles in our bodies. The most common functions of magnesium in our body are:
– It helps in the enzyme synthesis.
– It acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes.
– Magnesium is very important for energy production from the food that we intake.
– The DNA and RNA synthesis requires Magnesium as a very significant element.
– It helps in structural growth.
– Magnesium helps in the transport of calcium and potassium ions through various cell membranes.
– Magnesium plays a part in regulating muscle contraction, neuromuscular conduction, glycemic control, myocardial contraction, and blood pressure.
What is the content of magnesium in the human body?
An adult body contains around 25mg of Magnesium which is divided into various parts in the body. The list below elaborates the percentage of magnesium present in the particular parts of the body:
Bones – 50% – 60%
Blood serum – Lesser than 1%
Soft tissues and muscles – 39% – 50%
What is magnesium deficiency and what are the causes?
Magnesium deficiency is the dearth of magnesium in the body due to varied reasons. Some of the most common causes of magnesium deficiency are as follows:
– Low magnesium diets.
– Consumption of processed foods and sodas.
– High sugar intake leads to the excretion of magnesium from the body.
– Consuming excessive calcium also leads to magnesium deficiency.
– Medications like antibiotics, diuretics, and painkillers also have the potential to cause magnesium deficiency.
– Being pregnant and lactating.
– Having parathyroid disorders and hyperaldosteronism.
– Having type 2 diabetes.
– Being older.
– Taking certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, diuretics, bisphosphonates, and antibiotics.
What is Magnesium Test?
Magnesium Test is used for monitoring and measuring the amount of magnesium in the bloodstream and the urine of a person. The levels of magnesium in the bloodstream and the urine indicate whether a person has a deficiency of magnesium or excess magnesium in the body.
Why did my doctor ask me to undergo a Magnesium Test?
Your doctor can ask you to undergo a Magnesium test if you have :
– A habit of drinking a lot of alcohol.
– An eating disorder or a poor diet.
– Type 2 diabetes.
– Renal problems.
– Been taking calcium supplements.
– Too much, or too little, calcium or potassium in your blood.
– Your doctor might also ask you to undergo a Magnesium test to evaluate diarrhea, malabsorption, malnutrition, etc.
When should I take Magnesium Test?
If you are having any of the issues mentioned above, it is always recommended to undergo the Magnesium Test. If you notice symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency, it is suggested to undergo the test.
Some of the most common symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency are:
Muscle twitches and cramps.
Mental disorders.
– Osteoporosis.
– Fatigue and muscle weakness.
– High blood pressure.
– Asthma.
– Irregular heartbeats.
– Depression and anxiety.
– Migraine and persisting headaches.
– Weight loss.
– Seizures.
What are the preparations for the Magnesium Test?
There are no specific preparations required for the Magnesium Test.
– There’s no requirement of fasting.
– No medications should be stopped.
– No new medications should be included.
What is the procedure of the Magnesium Test?
For Magnesium Test to be conducted the blood sample is collected by the following procedure:
– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.
– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.
– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.
– The tourniquet is unwrapped.
– An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.
– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.
The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the Magnesium test.
For magnesium Tests to be conducted, a urine sample can also be collected over a time period of 24 hours. The following is the procedure to be followed
– Empty your bladder in the morning by excretion and flush that urine away. Note the time.
– For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine passed in the container provided.
– Store your urine containers in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
– Return the sample container to your health provider’s office or the laboratory as instructed.
Is the Magnesium Test procedure painful?
There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain wears off within a few hours.
What are the risks of the Magnesium Test?
There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection might have some risks associated with it:
– Some people feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn.
– It might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).
– There might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.
What is the price of the Magnesium Test in India?
The price of the Free Magnesium test in India ranges from Rs 500 – 1500. It can vary with various locations around the country.
When will I get my results?
You will get your Magnesium Test results within 24 to 36 hours of the test itself.
What does my magnesium blood test result depict?
The clinical range of magnesium in the body varies with age and gender. The given table elaborates on the contents of the magnesium in the blood in the body according to age and gender.
