Definition - What does magnesium level mean?
Magnesium level, within the context of health, refers to both the test used to determine the amount of magnesium in the blood and the amount determined by the test. Magnesium is an essential mineral needed by the body to regulate processes from nerve function to glucose control. A normal range for a person's blood magnesium level is from 1.7 to 2.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
A lab test is used to determine the amount of magnesium in a drawn blood sample. Magnesium level may also be called a magnesium blood test or serum magnesium test.
SureHire explains magnesium level
Magnesium is obtained by the body through diet. The kidneys regulate the excretion of excess magnesium. Thus, high magnesium levels are uncommon in healthy individuals. A high magnesium level may be an indication that a person is suffering from dehydration or kidney failure.
Low magnesium levels can lead to other health complications such as hypertension and osteoporosis. Altogether, magnesium is necessary to facilitate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Symptoms of low magnesium include loss of appetite, fatigue, numbness, cramps, and seizures. Individuals suffering from other conditions such as malabsoprtion, type 2 diabetes, and chronic alcoholism are more likely to experience magnesium deficiencies.
