Magnesium Conversion: 1.14 mg/dL to mEq/L
A magnesium level of 1.14 mg/dL equals 0.94 mEq/L, which represents hypomagnesemia requiring clinical attention and likely correction. 1
Conversion Calculation
The conversion from mg/dL to mEq/L for magnesium uses the following approach:
Direct formula: mEq/L = mg/dL × 0.823, which gives 1.14 × 0.823 = 0.94 mEq/L 1
Alternative method: First convert to mmol/L (1.14 mg/dL × 0.411 = 0.47 mmol/L), then multiply by 2 (the valence of magnesium as a divalent cation) = 0.94 mEq/L 1
The atomic weight of magnesium is 24.3, and as a divalent cation (Mg²⁺), the general formula is: mEq/L = (mg/dL × 10 × valence) / atomic weight 1
Clinical Significance of This Value
This level represents hypomagnesemia that requires correction, particularly in high-risk patients:
Normal magnesium reference range for adults is approximately 1.7-2.4 mg/dL (1.4-2.0 mEq/L) 1
Hypomagnesemia is defined as magnesium <1.7 mg/dL (<1.4 mEq/L) 1
A level of 1.14 mg/dL (0.94 mEq/L) falls significantly below the normal range and warrants treatment, especially in patients at risk for cardiac arrhythmias 1
Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions, ATP metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis, muscular contraction, cardiac excitability, and nerve transmission 2, 3
Treatment Considerations
For mild-to-moderate hypomagnesemia, start with oral magnesium oxide 12-24 mmol daily (approximately 480-960 mg elemental magnesium):
Begin with 12 mmol given at night when intestinal transit is slowest to maximize absorption 4
Magnesium oxide is preferred as it contains more elemental magnesium than other salts and converts to magnesium chloride in the stomach 4
Target serum magnesium >0.6 mmol/L (>1.8 mg/dL or >1.5 mEq/L) 4
Critical caveat: Avoid magnesium supplementation entirely if creatinine clearance <20 mL/min due to life-threatening hypermagnesemia risk 4
Monitor for signs of toxicity including hypotension, drowsiness, and muscle weakness 4