Along with calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride, magnesium is one of the six essential minerals required by the human body in significant quantities. Involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body, magnesium is necessary for bone formation, muscle activity, nerve transmission, energy production, and blood pressure regulation. It also plays an important role in blood sugar balance, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Low magnesium status is directly associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Magnesium (Hair) refers to the measurement of magnesium levels in a small sample of hair. This type of testing is part of a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), which assesses the long-term balance of essential and toxic elements in the body. Unlike blood tests that reflect short-term changes, hair provides a longer-term view of mineral status—typically over a period of several weeks to months.

Why magnesium matters:
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It plays a critical role in:

• Energy production (ATP synthesis)

• Muscle and nerve function

• Blood sugar regulation

• Bone development

• Stress response and mood regulation

• Cardiovascular health

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 vital mineral and cofactor involved in approximately 600 enzymatic reactions. It plays a key role in:

• Protein synthesis

• DNA and RNA production

• Reproductive health

• Cellular energy generation and storage (ATP)

• Muscle and nerve function

• Blood glucose regulation

• Blood pressure control

Magnesium is also known to reduce the risk of stroke, according to substantial clinical evidence.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in over 300 enzymatic processes, including energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone health. 

Magnesium levels in hair analysis provide valuable insights into long-term mineral status. Understanding whether levels are elevated or decreased can help pinpoint potential health concerns and guide dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation strategies for restoring balance. Always consult with a qualified practitioner to interpret results and tailor treatment plans.

Magnesium, when measured in whole blood, is an essential element of the Toxic and Essential Elements panel, offering significant insights into a person's metabolic and physiological status. As an essential mineral, magnesium plays a pivotal role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the human body, crucial for processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It also contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione. The measurement of magnesium in whole blood provides a more comprehensive understanding of the body's magnesium status compared to serum magnesium levels, as it includes both intracellular and extracellular magnesium.

Magnesium (Mg) is a major intracellular cation that is involved in over three hundred enzymatic reactions in the body. Little is known about the factors affecting serum Mg, but the parathyroid gland appears to be involved. Low serum Mg levels may be associated with poor diet/malabsorption, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, alcoholism and diuresis. Increased serum Mg levels may be associated with renal failure, dehydration, severe diabetic acidosis, and Addison’s disease.

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.