A normal magnesium level
Magnesium (Mg) = 0.7–1.0 mmol/L.
Magnesium is a mineral (metallic element) is found in every cell of your body, and is essential to life.
It is vital to energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and maintenance of strong bones. About half of the body’s magnesium is combined with calcium and phosphate to form bone.
Normally, only a very small amount (about 1%) of total magnesium is in the blood.
Chronically low potassium and calcium levels can be the result of low magnesium levels.
5 causes of a low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesaemia)
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Inadequate dietary intake: Consuming less than the recommended daily intake of magnesium can lead to deficiency. This is rare
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Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and coeliac disease can impair magnesium absorption
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Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have low magnesium levels due to increased urinary excretion
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Chronic alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to magnesium deficiency through impaired absorption, increased excretion, and poor diet
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Certain medications: Diuretics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and some antibiotics can interfere with magnesium absorption or increase its excretion.
5 causes of a high blood magnesium level (hypermagnesaemia)
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Impaired kidney function can lead to magnesium accumulation in the blood
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Excessive magnesium supplementation: Taking high doses of magnesium supplements can cause elevated blood levels
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Lithium therapy: Lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, can increase magnesium levels
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Rhabdomyolysis: A condition characterised by muscle breakdown, which can release magnesium into the bloodstream
- Parenteral nutrition: Receiving high amounts of magnesium through intravenous nutrition can cause elevated blood levels.
