What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in many of the body’s systems.  Magnesium is essential for regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure, energy production, bone growth, and the proper function of the muscle, immune, and nervous systems.  Eating a healthy balanced diet is a good way to ensure you get enough magnesium.  Nuts, seeds, legumes, tofu, whole grains, fish, leafy greens, dark chocolate, and bananas are examples of foods rich in magnesium.  For those who may not get enough magnesium in their diet, a variety of supplements are also available.  For those who are worried they may not be getting enough magnesium, simple blood testing is a great tool for checking your levels.

What are the causes of magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency is not common in the United States.  However, the cases of magnesium deficiency are disproportionately high in hospital patients and people with conditions such as alcohol abuse and diabetes.  Most of the magnesium in your body comes from the food you eat.  As a result, a poor diet or malnourishment is a common cause of low magnesium levels.  Disorders that cause long-term diarrhea or vomiting can be connected to low magnesium as can digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease.  The long-term use of some medications such as diuretics and antacids can lower your magnesium as well.

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

There are a number of signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with magnesium deficiency.

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Involuntary shaking and muscle spasms
• A sensation of pins and needles
• Unusual sleepiness
• Irregular heart rhythm

Many of these are often associated with multiple health problems.  The easiest way to determine if you have a magnesium deficiency is with a simple blood test.

How to test for Magnesium Deficiency

There are several types of magnesium tests available.  A Magnesium Blood Test can quickly tell you your blood magnesium levels.  However, a blood test may not be the most accurate way to tell if you have a magnesium deficiency.  Less than 1% of the body’s magnesium is in the blood.  The majority of magnesium is located in the bones and cells.  It is possible to be low in magnesium even if a blood test shows normal results.  By the time blood magnesium levels begin to drop, you may already be suffering from a severe deficiency. A Red Blood Cell Magnesium Test can be a more accurate indicator of your true magnesium levels.  This test measures magnesium in just the red blood cells which can give a better representation of the levels of magnesium in other cells throughout your body.

Where can I get a Magnesium Deficiency Test near me?

If you’re concerned about a magnesium deficiency, either due to your diet or other factors, don’t wait until you start to feel sick.  Magnesium is vital for your body’s healthy functioning so addressing a deficiency as soon as possible can help prevent any serious health complications.  Fortunately, there is a quick and affordable way to test your magnesium levels.  Request A Test offers nationwide lab testing that anyone can order.  You can pick from thousands of labs across the US and most tests see results in as little as one business day.  We offer a Magnesium Blood Test and an RBC Magnesium Test.  We also offer a full menu of other lab tests so you can get all of your testing done in one visit.  There’s no need to visit a doctor or get approval from your insurance.  Just order online or call us at 888-732-2348.  Our team is always available during business hours to answer questions or help you order over the phone.