Sources:

Green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, medicines (e.g., Milk of Magnesia), Epsom salt. Over the last 60 years, the Mg content in fruits and vegetables has decreased by 20-30%,and 80-90% of Mg is lost during food processing.

Absorption factors:

The intestine, bone and kidney maintain magnesium homeostasis. Unlike other minerals, Mg can be absorbed along the entire length of the GI tract. Soft drinks, low protein diets, foods containing phytates, polyphenols and oxalic acid, fluoride, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives bind to magnesium and produce insoluble precipitatesor complexes, negatively impacting Mg availability and absorption. Caffeine, alcohol and diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide) increase renal excretion of Mg. Antacids (e.g., omeprazole) affect Mg absorption due to the increase in GI pH.

Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays an essential role in various physiological processes, including nerve function, muscle contraction, bone structure, and energy production. It is one of the most abundant cations in the human body, predominantly stored in bones, with a smaller proportion circulating in the blood and intercellular spaces. Maintaining an appropriate magnesium balance is vital for health, and disorders in magnesium homeostasis can lead to a variety of clinical problems. One method to assess magnesium levels is through a 24-hour urine test, which measures how much magnesium is excreted in the urine over the course of a day. This test can offer important insights into the body's magnesium metabolism, kidney function, and overall mineral balance.

Measuring mineral concentrations inside your erythrocytes (red blood cells) is one of the best ways to determine their adequacy. Minerals are important catalysts that spark many of the chemical reactions in your body. The most extensively required mineral element in your body is magnesium. Erythrocyte magnesium is a measure of magnesium adequacy.

Magnesium is extremely important in keeping calcium in a bio-available form. In other words, magnesium is necessary for the utilization of calcium. Magnesium tends to follow calcium up and down. Magnesium is required for the bones and nervous system. It is also essential for over 600 vital enzymatic reactions in the body. It is a primary intra-cellular element.

Magnesium (RBC) - Nutreval Panel (Genova Diagnostics)

The "Magnesium (RBC)" marker on the Nutreval panel measures the concentration of magnesium within red blood cells (RBCs), providing insight into your body’s magnesium status. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions, with key roles in energy production, bone density, ATP formation, muscle and nerve conduction, and cell signaling. Unlike serum magnesium levels, RBC magnesium is considered a more reliable indicator of long-term magnesium status and tissue stores.

Elevated RBC magnesium levels may suggest excessive magnesium intake, impaired kidney function, or certain metabolic or endocrine conditions. High levels can also result from supplementation or dietary intake of magnesium-rich foods. Symptoms of elevated RBC magnesium may include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness, though clinical significance varies depending on individual health factors.

Food sources of magnesium include dark leafy greens, oatmeal, buckwheat, unpolished grains, chocolate, milk, nuts and seeds, lima beans, and molasses.

Interpreting this marker in the context of your overall health, including kidney function, medication use, and diet, is essential for understanding its implications and determining appropriate next steps.

Magnesium (RBC) testing, a key component of the Micronutrient panel by Vibrant America, offers critical insights into the body's magnesium levels within red blood cells (RBCs). Unlike serum magnesium tests, the Magnesium (RBC) test provides a more accurate reflection of the body's magnesium stores, as red blood cells contain magnesium that is actively used in bodily functions. Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions and plays a pivotal role in nerve function, muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, and bone health.

Hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body depend on magnesium for energy production, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood vessel function. A deficiency of this critical element within the cell may be seen with the RBC magnesium test.

Malate is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Malate is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Malate is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Biomarkers:

Products of Protein Breakdown - Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.

Pancreatic Elastase - Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.

Fecal Fats - Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.

Score explanation:

The functional imbalance scores are generated using weighted algorithms that incorporate biomarkers belonging to each functional category. 

0 to 2: This represents a low need for support.

2 to 3: This represents an optional need for support.

4 to 6: This represents moderate need for support.

7 to 10: This represents high need for support.

Therapeutic Support Options: 

Therapeutic support options are static to serve as potential treatment ideas. Clinician discretion is advised when selecting appropriate therapeutics for individual patients.

- Digestive Enzymes

- Betaine HCl

- Bile Salts

- Apple Cider Vinegar

- Mindful Eating Habits

- Digestive Bitters

Malic Acid is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Fumaric acid uses the fumarase enzyme to become malic acid. Malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of malic acid into oxaloacetate. Two forms of this enzyme exist in eukaryotes. One operates within the mitochondria to contribute to the Citric Acid Cycle; the other is in the cytosol where it participates in the malate/ aspartate shuttle. Riboflavin is an important cofactor for this enzyme and overall mitochondrial energy production and cellular function. At the end of each Citric Acid Cycle, the four-carbon oxaloacetate has been regenerated, and the cycle continues.

Malic Acid is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Malic Acid is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Malic Acid is involved in the citric acid cycle (aka. Krebs cycle). The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that occur in the mitochondrion to generate chemical energy that fuels the metabolism.

Fumaric acid uses the fumarase enzyme to become malic acid. Malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of malic acid into oxaloacetate. Two forms of this enzyme exist in eukaryotes. One operates within the mitochondria to contribute to the Citric Acid Cycle; the other is in the cytosol where it participates in the malate/ aspartate shuttle. Riboflavin is an important cofactor for this enzyme and overall mitochondrial energy production and cellular function. At the end of each Citric Acid Cycle, the four-carbon oxaloacetate has been regenerated, and the cycle continues.