⚖️ Electrolytes & Minerals

Magnesium: What It Means for Your Health

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, DNA synthesis, muscle relaxation, nerve function, and blood sugar regulation. About 60% is stored in bones, 39% in muscles and soft tissues, and only 1% circulates in blood. This means serum magnesium can be normal even when total body stores are depleted, making deficiency notoriously difficult to diagnose by blood tests alone.

Full Name
Serum Magnesium (Mg2+)
Normal Range
1.7–2.2 mg/dL
Also Known As
Mg, Mg2+

Reference Range

LowNormal: 1.7–2.2 mg/dLHigh

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.

What Is Magnesium?

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, DNA synthesis, muscle relaxation, nerve function, and blood sugar regulation. About 60% is stored in bones, 39% in muscles and soft tissues, and only 1% circulates in blood. This means serum magnesium can be normal even when total body stores are depleted, making deficiency notoriously difficult to diagnose by blood tests alone.

Commonly included in:

Magnesium TestElectrolyte PanelComprehensive Metabolic Panel

What Does High Magnesium Mean?

Above 2.2 mg/dL

Elevated magnesium (hypermagnesemia) is uncommon and usually occurs in kidney failure (reduced excretion) or excessive magnesium supplementation/antacids. Symptoms include nausea, facial flushing, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.

What Does Low Magnesium Mean?

Below 1.7 mg/dL

Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) is common and underdiagnosed, affecting up to 15% of the general population. Causes include poor dietary intake, chronic alcohol use, diabetes, malabsorption, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors. Symptoms include muscle cramps, tremors, fatigue, irritability, and cardiac arrhythmias. Low magnesium also impairs calcium and potassium regulation.

Related Biomarkers in Electrolytes & Minerals

Sodium
Key electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function.
Range: 136–145 mEq/L
Potassium
Essential electrolyte for heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Range: 3.5–5 mEq/L
Calcium
Essential mineral for bones, teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
Range: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
Phosphorus
Mineral important for bones, teeth, energy production, and DNA.
Range: 2.5–4.5 mg/dL
Zinc
Essential trace mineral for immune function, wound healing, and taste/smell.
Range: 60–120 ug/dL

Track Your Magnesium Over Time

Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your Magnesium levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.