What is a normal blood magnesium level?
Normal blood magnesium level
A normal blood magnesium level in the UK is between 0.7–1.0 mmol/L.
However, normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.
Magnesium is a mineral that’s important for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, bone health, and heart function.
High and low magnesium levels are unusual.
Causes of high and low magnesium levels
High Magnesium Levels (Hypermagnesaemia)
Medical conditions
-
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Impaired kidney function can lead to magnesium accumulation
-
Adrenal insufficiency: Addison’s disease, can lead to hypermagnesaemia
-
Hypothyroidism
- Gastrointestinal disease: Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis can impair magnesium absorption
Medication
-
Magnesium supplements
-
Antacids: Certain antacids, such as magnesium hydroxide, can cause magnesium levels to rise
-
Laxatives: Excessive use of magnesium-containing laxatives can lead to hypermagnessemia.
Other causes
-
Excessive magnesium intake: Consuming large amounts of magnesium-rich foods or supplements
-
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Low Magnesium Levels (Hypomagnaesemia)
Dietary factors
-
Inadequate dietary intake: This is rare
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with magnesium absorption and increase excretion.
Medical conditions
-
Diabetes
-
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Impaired kidney function can lead to excessive magnesium loss.
-
Gastrointestinal disease: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroparesis can impair magnesium absorption.
-
Hyperadrenalism: Primary hyperaldosteronism, can lead to hypomagnesaemia.
Medication
-
Diuretics: Certain diuretics, such as loop and thiazide diuretics, can increase magnesium excretion.
-
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
-
Antibiotics: Such as gentamicin
Clinical features
Symptoms of hypomagnesemia include weakness, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures.
Summary
We have described what is a normal blood magnesium level. We hope it has been helpful.
