From the Guidelines
The normal value range for magnesium is 1.3 to 2.2 mEq/L. This range is crucial in determining whether a patient has hypomagnesemia or hypermagnesemia, both of which can have significant effects on the body 1.
Key Points
- Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
- Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can cause symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat, while high levels (hypermagnesemia) may lead to weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac complications 1.
- Magnesium levels should be monitored in patients taking certain medications like diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, or those with conditions like kidney disease, alcoholism, or malabsorption disorders.
- A more recent study 1 also highlights the importance of magnesium levels, noting that deficiency is common and can be associated with benefit in treating certain conditions, but it does not provide a more precise normal range than the one established in 1.
Clinical Considerations
- Dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, with the recommended daily intake being 400-420 mg for adult men and 310-320 mg for adult women.
- It is essential to consider the potential for magnesium toxicity, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction or those receiving magnesium for preterm labor 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
In such cases, the serum magnesium level is usually below the lower limit of normal (1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L) The normal value range for magnesium is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L 2.
From the Research
Normal Value Ranges for Magnesium
- The normal serum magnesium range is between 1.7-2.3 mg/dl (0.75-0.95 mmol/l), at any age 3
- Serum magnesium measurements can be used to identify patients with deficiency, but "normal" results do not necessarily exclude magnesium deficiency 4
- Magnesium deficiency can occur due to insufficient magnesium intake, increased gastrointestinal or renal loss, or redistribution from extracellular to intracellular compartments 5
Factors Affecting Magnesium Levels
- Intestinal absorption and renal excretion determine serum magnesium concentration 3, 5
- Certain drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can cause hypomagnesemia 5
- Lifestyle and "modus vivendi" can affect magnesium stores, and individuals at risk may require supplementation or treatment 4
Magnesium Compounds and Bioavailability
- Different magnesium compounds have varying bioavailability, with magnesium malate and magnesium acetyl taurate showing higher bioavailability than magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate 6
- Magnesium acetyl taurate is rapidly absorbed and can pass through to the brain easily, while magnesium malate levels remain high for an extended period of time in the serum 6