Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg2+) fulfills various functions in the human body. Complications associated with decreased Mg levels are neuromuscular irritability and cardiac symptoms. Elevated magnesium values can be observed e.g. in dehydration or renal disorders.

Reference Ranges

Serum / Plasma
Women1.9 – 2.5 mg/dL0.77 – 1.03 mmol/L
Men1.8 – 2.6 mg/dL0.73 – 1.06 mmol/L
Neonates1.2 – 2.6 mg/dL0.48 – 1.05 mmol/L
Children1.5 – 2.3 mg/dL0.60 – 0.95 mmol/L
Urine
Neonates, Children, Adults73 – 122 mg/24h3 – 5 mmol/24h
CSF
Neonates, Children, Adults2.1 – 3.3 mg/dL0.85 – 1.35 mmol/L
Each laboratory should check if the reference ranges are transferable to its own patient population and determine own reference ranges if necessary. For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed with the patient’s medical history, clinical examinations and other findings.

Increased in

  1. Anuria
  2. Uncontrolled diabetes
  3. Addison`s disease
  4. Hypothyreodism
  5. Ingestion of magnesium containing antacids

Decreased in

  1. Alcoholism
  2. Malnutrition
  3. Malabsorption
  4. Severe diarrhoea
  5. Hypoparathyroidism
  6. Hyperparathyroidism
  7. Renal loss

Conversion

Use our conversion tool to quickly convert between conventional units and SI units

mg/dL
mmol/L

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