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Magnesium is an intracellular cation. It is found in every cell of the body. A small amount of magnesium in the body can cause irritability, hyperactivity, muscle cramps and tremors. An excess of magnesium is often associated with tingling, numbness or constipation. Magnesium testing is most often recommended when a significant deficiency is suspected.
Magnesium – definition
Magnesium is an intracellular cation that is found in every cell in the body. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiencies are more and more often observed, because people eat highly processed foods and often eat in a hurry and under stress. Determining the level of magnesium is part of the electrolyte test. When talking about magnesium, we can distinguish two states:
- hypomagnesaemia: is associated with low levels of magnesium in the blood. The consequences of hypomagnesaemia may be: irritability, apathy, weakness, inappropriate secretion of certain hormones;
- hypermagnesaemia: is associated with high levels of magnesium in the blood. In this case, you can observe: constipation, numbness, heart problems, muscle weakness.
Functions of magnesium
1. Stabilization of the nervous system and improvement of the functioning of gray cells. Magnesium is involved in the transformation of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and is responsible for supplying energy to the tissues and cells of the body. This reduces the hyperactivity of nerve cells in the brain, which has a calming effect on the body. In addition, adequate amounts of magnesium improve thinking and memory.
2. Improves digestion and prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys.
3. Enlargement of the airways and aid in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
4. Regulating the work of the thyroid gland.
5. Prevention of poisoning the body by toxic elements, e.g. mercury or lead.
6. Help in treating injuries and regulating muscle tension.
7. Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system. According to some data, inhabitants of hard water (high in magnesium) areas die of a heart attack much less frequently. Magnesium is administered intravenously in people after a heart attack to prevent clots and arrhythmias. As a result of a magnesium deficiency in the body, the blood vessels may constrict and at the same time increase blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from hypertension should consume foods that contain large amounts of magnesium.
8. Building bones, preventing osteoporosis.
9. Relief of premenstrual tension and menstrual pain.
10 According to some studies, magnesium prevents migraines and type II diabetes.
When do we do the magnesium test?
1. Persistent disorders of potassium and / or calcium metabolism.
2. Diagnosis of clinical conditions associated with cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, neuromuscular hyperactivity, convulsions, paresthesias, tetany, muscle spasms, renal failure, nausea, diarrhea, as well as in the case of parenteral nutrition and the use of diuretics.
Magnesium – study
Test material: serum.
Preparation for the magnesium test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
Waiting time for the magnesium result: 1 Day.
Standard: 0,8-1,0 mmol/l.
Comments: Half of the systemic magnesium is deposited in the bones; it is also found in significant concentrations in muscles. It acts as a cofactor, i.e. a factor necessary to activate certain enzymes – especially those involved in energy production. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the nerves and muscle contraction. It stabilizes platelets and participates in the processes of nucleic acid synthesis. In addition to calcium and phosphorus ions, it is responsible for maintaining the proper bone structure.
Magnesium – correct norms
Standard: 0,8-1,0 mmol / l. These values may vary depending on the particular laboratory and the age of the patient. Results that fall within the given range are considered normal. They indicate the efficiency of the mechanisms regulating the concentration of magnesium and are an example of the appropriate state of its reserves. It sometimes happens that the body’s magnesium reserves are lowered despite the correct test result.
What does a low concentration of magnesium indicate?
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
- insomnia,
- palpitations,
- nausea,
- eyelid twitching,
- dizziness and headaches,
- chronic muscle spasms,
- frequent occurrence of infections,
- trouble concentrating,
- brittleness of hair and nails,
- caries,
- anxiety.
Low blood levels of magnesium can be caused by:
- digestive system ailments (malabsorption),
- its high loss by the kidneys due to, for example, alcohol abuse, the use of certain medications or by certain diseases having a genetic basis,
- its “escape” from plasma to cells (many different pathological conditions),
- a diet that is low in magnesium
- eating products containing fatty acids and phosphates that limit the absorption of magnesium,
- eating processed or cooked products that lose valuable macronutrients as a result of these processes,
- restrictive slimming diets,
- constant stress,
- hard work,
- taking birth control pills,
- pregnancy,
- menopause,
- intense mental work.
People who eat well rarely have problems with this element deficiency. Although there are certain factors that make it difficult to absorb it, for example: chronic diarrhea, heavy alcohol consumption, use of dehydrating preparations. Magnesium deficiency also occurs in diabetics and people suffering from malabsorption disorders.
Diagnose hypomagnesemia it is often possible only after checking the magnesium excretion in the XNUMX-hour urine collection and performing other additional tests.
If you want to increase the absorption of magnesium, you should:
- avoid alcohol, saturated fatty acids and excess calcium and phosphorus,
- eat vegetables and fruits raw, as cooking causes food to lose up to 75% of magnesium,
- eat buckwheat, e.g. with protein, because magnesium is well absorbed in an acidic environment and with animal protein.
High levels of magnesium in the body
An excess of magnesium causes:
- trouble breathing (when large amounts are ingested)
- diarrhea
- dizziness,
- in extreme cases, a coma.
High levels of magnesium can be caused by:
- inflammatory diseases of the digestive system,
- impairment of its excretion,
- kidney problems,
- diseases of the system controlling body functions (e.g. hypothyroidism, adrenal cortex),
- taking certain medications (mainly lithium)
The test result should always be consulted with the attending physician.
Natural sources of magnesium
Magnesium is found in large amounts in:
- cereal products,
- legumes,
- seafood,
- chocolate,
- nuts.
Its large amounts are also present in dark bread, barley groats, yellow cheese and bananas. Foods such as milk, eggs, white bread and rice contain small amounts of magnesium. It is worth mentioning that the largest amounts of this element are present in organic products. When it comes to water, highly mineralized water and “hard” drinking water are the best choices.
Important! People with sick kidneys should not take magnesium without first consulting a urologist. Too much magnesium can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline treatment.
If you are looking for magnesium supplements with good bioavailability, Medonet Market offers, among others, magnesium chelate tablets (100 mg) and magnesium citrate capsules (200 mg).
Other forms of magnesium
Another source of magnesium are tablets, which are recommended for people under stress. During this time, the body needs an additional dose of this element. Magnesium is available in various forms. The most popular of them are: magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium malate, magnesium taurate, magnesium chelate and magnesium carbonate. A less safe form is magnesium sulfate, which can cause diarrhea. The least recommended are magnesium aspartate and glutamate.
Children also suffer from magnesium deficiency. However, in this group of patients, magnesium must be prescribed by a doctor. Remember about the correct dosage of this preparation. Standard preparations of magnesium for children contain 80 mg for children aged 1-3 years and 130 mg of magnesium for children between 4 and 9 years of age.