ElectrolytesReported in mg/dLMagnesium
A mineral used in nerve signaling, muscle relaxation, and hundreds of enzymes. The blood level is a useful, incomplete look at body stores.
What it measures
Most magnesium is in bone and inside cells. The serum measurement is what this panel reports. You can have low body stores with a still-typical blood level, so a normal result does not prove reserves are full. It does catch a frankly low or high blood level, which is the result that changes same-week decisions.
Why it is on the panel
Low magnesium makes low potassium and low calcium harder to fix, and it can aggravate muscle cramps and heart-rhythm irritability. Diuretics, poor intake, and chronic diarrhea are everyday causes. The test earns its place because those causes are common and quiet.
How to read it
Read magnesium with potassium and calcium. If potassium stays low, check whether magnesium is low too. Kidney results matter on the high side: failing kidneys are the main reason magnesium rises.
When it runs higher
Advanced kidney disease, magnesium-containing laxatives and antacids, and excess supplementation raise the blood level. High magnesium causes flushing, low blood pressure, and, when severe, weakness.
When it runs lower
Diuretics, alcohol use, poorly controlled diabetes, gut losses, and low intake are the common reasons. Symptoms include cramps, tremor, and palpitations. A mildly low result is a reason to look at diet and medicines with a clinician, not a reason to start a high-dose supplement on your own.
Same group
Other Electrolytes tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Magnesium
Magnesium is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.