A Magnesium blood test measures the level of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure control, protein synthesis, and bone development.
This test is used to evaluate magnesium levels in patients with symptoms of deficiency (hypomagnesemia) such as muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, or irregular heartbeat, or excess (hypermagnesemia) such as nausea, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. It is commonly ordered for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, malnutrition, or those on medications such as diuretics or proton pump inhibitors that can affect magnesium levels. It may also be part of a metabolic panel.
