Magnesium Advocacy Group Recommended

Magnesium Advocacy Group (MAG)–recommended testing looks beyond basic serum magnesium to a broader view of mineral balance and related nutrients. In addition to RBC magnesium, MAG-style panels often examine iron status (ferritin, iron/TIBC, transferrin saturation), copper and ceruloplasmin, zinc, vitamin D (25-OH with optional 1,25-OH2), and vitamin A (retinol). These markers can help explain fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, brain fog, hair thinning, sleep issues, and stress intolerance—symptoms that overlap with many conditions.

Our stance is proactive and balanced: use comprehensive labs to screen, triage, and monitor—then interpret with your clinician and current medical guidance. Some advocacy tests (for example 1,25-OH2 vitamin D) are not standard for deficiency screening and should be ordered for specific clinical reasons. Lab results don’t diagnose or treat by themselves; they guide next steps with a qualified professional.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

Muscle & nerve: cramps, twitching, restless legs, tingling/numbness, migraines, jaw clenching
Energy & mood: chronic fatigue, low stamina, brain fog, low mood, poor stress tolerance
Sleep & stress: difficulty falling/staying asleep, non-restorative sleep, “wired and tired” at night
Hair/skin/nails: shedding, brittle nails, dry or itchy skin, slow wound healing
Metabolic & cardio: palpitations, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance clues
Digestive & absorption risk: celiac/IBD, bariatric surgery, chronic diarrhea, low stomach acid, long-term acid suppressants or metformin
Life stages: pregnancy/lactation, heavy menstrual bleeding, endurance training, aging adults
Urgent care now: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, black/bloody stools, severe weakness, confusion, or stroke-like symptoms

Symptoms are nonspecific and require evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

Quantify magnesium status beyond serum alone and contextualize mineral balance (iron, copper, zinc)
Differentiate look-alikes (iron deficiency vs anemia of inflammation; B12/folate issues vs magnesium)
Track trends after diet, supplementation, medication changes, or procedures that affect absorption

What testing cannot do

Provide a stand-alone diagnosis or dosing instructions without clinical oversight
Replace guideline-preferred tests (e.g., 25-OH vitamin D is routine; 1,25-OH2 is not for general screening)
Eliminate confounders such as inflammation (ferritin can be elevated) or assay interferences (biotin, hemolysis) without proper preparation

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

Magnesium status
- Magnesium, RBC: medium-term cell-associated magnesium; may better reflect tissue stores than serum.
- Magnesium, Serum: widely available but can appear “normal” despite low total body magnesium.
- Magnesium, 24-hour urine (select use): evaluates renal losses or absorption under clinician direction.
Iron status (the “full” panel concept)
- Ferritin: iron stores; acute-phase reactant—can be normal/high in inflammation.
- Serum Iron, TIBC, Transferrin Saturation: circulating iron and transport capacity.
- CBC ± sTfR (selected): anemia type and iron-restricted erythropoiesis.
Copper–zinc balance
- Ceruloplasmin & Serum Copper: copper transport/protein status; affected by estrogen, pregnancy, and inflammation.
- Zinc: immune/skin/taste health; high zinc intake can depress copper.
Vitamins related to mineral metabolism
- Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy (25-OH): standard test for vitamin D status.
- Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy (1,25-OH2): not a general status test; used in renal disease, granulomatous disease, or specific endocrine questions.
- Vitamin A (Retinol): supports epithelial health and iron metabolism; affected by liver function and intake.
Context markers
- CMP (electrolytes, kidney/liver), Phosphorus, PTH (selected), ± B12/MMA and Folate when fatigue or neuropathy is prominent.

Preparation notes: Some trace-element and fat-soluble vitamin tests recommend avoiding supplements for 24 hours, a morning draw, and minimal strenuous exercise or alcohol beforehand. High-dose biotin can interfere with certain immunoassays; follow any hold instructions.

Quick Build Guide

Goal / Scenario	Start with	Add if needed
Baseline mineral check (MAG-style)	RBC Magnesium • Serum Magnesium • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • 25-OH Vitamin D • Retinol (Vitamin A)	CBC • CMP • Phosphorus • PTH (clinician-directed)
Muscle cramps, headaches, sleep issues	RBC Magnesium • Serum Magnesium • 25-OH Vitamin D	Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • Magnesium 24-hr urine
Hair loss, brittle nails, heavy menses	Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC	Zinc • B12 ± MMA • 25-OH Vitamin D
Fatigue/brain fog with GI risk	RBC Magnesium • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • 25-OH Vitamin D • B12 ± MMA • Folate	Zinc • Copper • CMP
Inflammation suspected	Ferritin • Transferrin Saturation • CBC	CRP/ESR to contextualize ferritin
Special endocrine questions	25-OH Vitamin D	1,25-OH2 Vitamin D(clinician-directed only)

How the Testing Process Works

Pick your starting bundle: use the Quick Build Guide to match symptoms and goals.
Prepare for accuracy: follow any supplement holds (zinc/biotin/fat-soluble vitamins), note medicines (PPIs, metformin, diuretics), and typical diet. Fasting is usually not required unless your order specifies it.
Provide samples: standard blood draw; select tests may use 24-hour urine.
Get secure results: most post within a few days; use the same lab methods over time when trending.
Plan next steps: review with your clinician to confirm causes (diet, absorption, losses) and set a monitoring cadence.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

RBC magnesium low with symptoms → compatible with magnesium insufficiency; correlate with serum Mg, diet, medicines, and kidney function.
Normal ferritin in inflammation → ferritin may be misleading; check transferrin saturation and CRP/ESR.
Low copper or low ceruloplasmin → consider intake, zinc excess, malabsorption, liver disease; clinician context is key.
Low 25-OH vitamin D → reflects status; season and intake matter.
1,25-OH2 vitamin D abnormal → interpret only with clinician guidance (renal or granulomatous disease contexts).
Trends over time matter more than a single value; always interpret with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

Core MAG-inspired panel: RBC Mg • Serum Mg • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • 25-OH Vitamin D • Retinol
Depth options: CBC • CMP • Phosphorus • PTH • B12 ± MMA • Folate • CRP/ESR • 24-hr Urine Mg
Choose a bundled panel for efficiency, then add targeted markers to answer specific questions or monitor change.

FAQs

Is RBC magnesium better than serum magnesium?
RBC magnesium may reflect medium-term intracellular status, while serum shows circulating levels. Many clinicians use both, plus clinical context.

Do I need both 25-OH and 1,25-OH2 vitamin D?
Usually no. 25-OH is the standard status test. 1,25-OH2 is for specific conditions and should be clinician-directed.

Can zinc supplements lower copper?
Yes—high zinc intake can reduce copper. Test and balance under professional guidance.

Why is my ferritin normal if I feel iron-deficient?
Ferritin rises with inflammation. Pair with transferrin saturation and consider CRP/ESR to clarify iron status.

Should I stop supplements before testing?
Often yes for trace elements and biotin—follow your order’s instructions to avoid false highs or assay interference.

How often should I re-test?
Commonly 8–12 weeks after changes in diet or supplements, then as advised by your clinician.

Related Test Categories & Key Tests

All Vitamin & Mineral Tests
Micronutrient Testing • Iron Studies & Anemia • Fatty Acids & Omega Tests • Metabolism Tests • Thyroid Health Tests
Key Tests: Magnesium (RBC) • Magnesium (Serum) • Magnesium (24-hr Urine) • Ferritin • Iron • TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC • Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • Vitamin D (25-OH) • Vitamin D (1,25-OH2) • Vitamin A (Retinol) • CMP • Phosphorus • PTH • CRP • ESR • Vitamin B12 • MMA • Folate

References

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin D, Vitamin A fact sheets.
American Society of Hematology — Evaluation of iron deficiency and anemia.
Endocrine Society — Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency.
AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) — Best practices for trace-element testing; biotin interference advisories.
American College of Gastroenterology — Malabsorption and micronutrient assessment guidance.
Clinical reviews on RBC vs serum magnesium, ceruloplasmin interpretation, and iron indices in inflammation.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Magnesium Advocacy Group Recommended Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with the core MAG-inspired panel (RBC and serum magnesium with iron, copper/ceruloplasmin, zinc, 25-OH vitamin D, and retinol). Use filters to add CBC/CMP, CRP/ESR, B12 ± MMA/folate, PTH/phosphorus, or 24-hour urine magnesiumbased on your history. Follow any supplement-hold instructions and review results with your clinician to confirm causes and set a retesting plan.

The Magnesium Advocacy Group recommended lab tests are individual tests that measure the levels of a specific mineral, protein, or cell, among other things. Are you wondering what lab tests the Magnesium Advocacy Group recommends? This quick yet handy guide breaks things down for you, and we can help you get tested.

MAG - Iron Panel, Transferrin and Hemoglobin

MAG - Magnesium RBC, Zinc, and Copper Panel

MAG - Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper with Iron Panel

MAG - Vit A&D, Mag RBC, Zinc, Iron & Ferritin

MAG - Vitamin D (1-25, D2, D3), Mag RBC, & Calcium

MAG - Vitamin D (1-25,D2,D3), Potassium RBC & Ca

MAG - Vitamin D, Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper & Ca

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Zinc Micronutrient Plasma Test

The Zinc Micronutrient Test measures blood zinc levels to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Zinc is vital for immune function, wound healing, growth, reproduction, and enzyme activity. This test helps identify poor intake, malabsorption, or excessive supplementation, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health, immune balance, and metabolic function.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.

Specimen Type: Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: Zinc Plasma Test

$44.95
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Zinc Test Most Popular

The Zinc Test measures zinc levels in blood to evaluate nutritional status and overall health. Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, growth, taste, and reproductive health. Abnormal levels may cause fatigue, hair loss, delayed healing, or increased infection risk. Doctors use this test to detect zinc deficiency or excess, monitor supplementation, and guide treatment for conditions linked to immune, metabolic, or endocrine imbalance.

Specimen Type: Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: Zinc Plasma Test, Zn Test

$175.02
$46.95
Save: 73.17%
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MAG - Morley Panel - RCP

Specimen Type: Blood, Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Serum, Other

Collection: Phlebotomist

$1,167.39
$312
Save: 73.27%
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What Lab Tests Does the Magnesium Advocacy Group Recommend?

Magnesium is essential for strong bones and muscles, good heart health, and energy production.

Despite how important this mineral is, it can be easy to miss the signs of magnesium deficiency. With Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests, you can catch symptoms and get the necessary treatment sooner.

Here's a guide on Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests and panels, what they test for, and how they can benefit you.

What Are Magnesium Advocacy Group Lab Tests and Lab Panels?

Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests and panels evaluate your body's magnesium levels and many other vital vitamins and minerals through blood draws.

The Magnesium Advocacy Group recommended lab tests are individual tests that measure the levels of specific vitamins and minerals. Lab panels are groupings of related tests.

Iron Panel, Transferrin, and Hemoglobin

Iron panels are ... See more

Magnesium is essential for strong bones and muscles, good heart health, and energy production.

Here's a guide on Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests and panels, what they test for, and how they can benefit you.

What Are Magnesium Advocacy Group Lab Tests and Lab Panels?

Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests and panels evaluate your body's magnesium levels and many other vital vitamins and minerals through blood draws.

The Magnesium Advocacy Group recommended lab tests are individual tests that measure the levels of specific vitamins and minerals. Lab panels are groupings of related tests.

Iron Panel, Transferrin, and Hemoglobin

Iron panels are typically used when a person displays symptoms of having iron deficiency or overload. They measure iron levels and related biomarkers, including:

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Ferritin
Transferrin
Hemoglobin (Hgb)

The average processing time is 1-2 days. Patients should fast for at least 9 hours prior to having their blood drawn.

Magnesium RBC, Zinc, and Copper Panel

This panel tests for Magnesium RBC and other related biomarkers, including:

Zinc
Copper
Ceruloplasmin

The average processing time for this panel is 2-4 business days.

Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper with Iron Panel

The tests included in this panel are:

Magnesium RBC
Copper
Zinc
Ceruloplasmin
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Ferritin
Transferrin
Hemoglobin

The average processing time for this panel is 2-5 days. Patients should fast for at least 9 hours prior to having their blood drawn.

Vit A&D, Mag RBC, Zinc, Iron & Ferritin

This panel is also referred to as the Full Monty Iron Panel with Vitamin A and D. The tests included in this panel are:

Ceruloplasmin
Copper
Ferritin
Hemoglobin
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Magnesium RBC
Transferrin
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Zinc

The average processing time is 4-7 days. Patients should fast for at least 9 hours prior to having their blood drawn.

Vitamin D (1-25, D2, D3), Mag RBC & Calcium

The tests included in this panel are:

Magnesium RBC
Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Calcium, Ionized

The average processing time is 5-7 business days.

Vitamin D (1-25,D2,D3), Potassium RBC & Ca

The tests included in this panel are:

Potassium RBC
Magnesium RBC
Ionized Calcium
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy

The average processing time for a Potassium Vitamin D Panel is 5-7 business days.

Vitamin D, Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper & Ca

The tests included in this panel are:

Magnesium RBC
Zinc
Ceruloplasmin
Copper
Ionized Calcium
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy

The average processing time is 5-7 business days.

Calcium, Ionized

The Calcium, Ionized test measures how much unbound calcium is in a person's blood.

Unbound calcium is typically measured when the balance between free and bound calcium is disrupted, which can occur with:

Extremely low albumin levels
Major surgeries
Blood transfusions
Critical illnesses

Those with low ionized calcium may experience muscle spasms or numbness around the mouth or in their hands and feet.

The average processing time is 1-2 business days, and it has no fasting requirements.

Ceruloplasmin and Copper

Ceruloplasmin is a protein containing copper, an essential mineral for a variety of bodily functions.

Ceruloplasmin and copper blood tests help diagnose diseases that cause abnormal levels of copper in the body, including Wilson's Disease, Celiac Disease, and Cystic Fibrosis.

The average processing time for a Ceruloplasmin blood test is 4-5 days. It has no fasting requirements and is often accompanied by a copper blood test, which has an average processing time of 2-4 days.

Complete Blood Count and Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Complete Blood Count (CBC) are part of routine general health blood work.

Hgb is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Low Hgb levels can indicate anemia, nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, or kidney damage. High Hgb levels may indicate dehydration, lung disease, heart disease, or kidney tumors.

The average processing time for Hgb and CBC blood tests is typically 1 day.

Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity

Total Iron Binding Capacity is a blood test that measures the amount of iron you have in your blood and how well the protein transferrin carries the iron in your blood.

The average processing time for a TIBC test is 1-2 days.

Iron helps muscles store and use oxygen, and too little iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron levels may occur from blood loss, poor diet, or inefficient absorption of iron from food.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells. By measuring ferritin, doctors can indirectly measure the amount of iron in your blood.

Ferritin blood tests are often ordered after a person receives abnormal CBC results and may be accompanied by an Iron and TIBC Test to check for iron deficiency or overload.

The average processing time of a Ferritin blood test is typically 1 day.

Magnesium, RBC

Magnesium is essential for almost all of the body's chemical processes, including the maintenance of the body's:

Muscle and nerve function
Bone strength
Heart function
Blood pressure
Blood sugar levels
Immune system

Magnesium deficiencies may occur in cases of malnutrition and malabsorption. Magnesium excess may occur from ingesting antacids containing magnesium or when the kidneys excrete magnesium ineffectively.

The average processing time for a Magnesium RBC lab test is 4-5 days.

Potassium, RBC

Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for body and muscle function. Abnormal potassium levels may indicate kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorder, among other conditions.

The average processing time is 5 to 7 days.

Transferrin

Transferrin is a protein that helps carry iron to various parts of the body. It directly measures iron-binding capacity. This makes it useful in the assessment of iron balance, deficiency, and overload.

The typical processing time is 1-3 days, and it is necessary to fast 8-12 hours before blood sample collection.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A is essential for:

Healthy skin
Healthy eyes and vision
Bone growth
Immune function
Embryonic development

Vitamin A deficiency may occur if a person does not eat enough meat, fruits, and vegetables. Disorders associated with malnutrition or malabsorption can also cause it.

Symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency include:

Night blindness
Dry eyes, skin, or hair
Skin lesions
Anemia
Gray spots on the eye's lining
Repeated infections

Retinol tests also check for Vitamin A toxicity. This typically occurs because of supplement overuse or a diet that consists largely of Vitamin A rich foods.

The average processing time for a Vitamin A (retinol) lab test is 3-7 business days. It is necessary to fast for 12 hours before having your sample collected.

Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy

Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy is typically ordered to test for an excess of Vitamin D. This can occur with conditions such as parathyroid disorder and kidney failure.

The average processing time is 5-7 business days.

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is necessary for teeth and bones to have proper growth and health. It also helps the immune system and bodily tissues develop healthily.

A Vitamin D lab test is usually ordered to test for symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is usually caused by insufficient sun exposure or conditions like Cystic Fibrosis and Crohn's Disease. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include:

Tiredness
Weakness
Aches and pains
Frequent infections

The typical processing time is 1-3 days, and it has no fasting requirements.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for a strong immune system, normal growth and cell reproduction, and healing from injuries.

Zinc deficiency occurs from a lack of dietary intake or an excess of certain minerals, which prevent the body from effectively absorbing zinc. It may also occur with conditions such as Crohn's Disease and Sickle Cell Anemia.

Symptoms include:

Recurring infections
Decreased speed of healing
Severe diarrhea
Thinning hair
Recurring skin rashes or acne
Decreased ability to taste or smell

The typical processing time is 3-5 days, and there are no fasting requirements.

Benefits of Magnesium Advocacy Group Recommended Lab Tests and Lab Panels

Magnesium is essential for energy production, nerve and muscle function, and maintaining strong bones.

Persistent or severe magnesium deficiency or excess can lead to:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Confusion
Muscle cramps
Seizures
Heart Rate changes
Numbness or tingling
An affected calcium metabolism
Exacerbated calcium deficiencies

With Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests and panels, you can potentially catch these health issues and get the appropriate treatments before they get any worse.

Magnesium Advocacy Group FAQ

Here are some common questions about Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests.

When Are Magnesium Lab Tests Ordered?

Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests are used to measure magnesium levels. Abnormal magnesium levels may indicate conditions that impair intestinal magnesium absorption or cause the kidneys to excrete abnormal amounts of magnesium.

Magnesium lab tests are ordered to:

Evaluate the severity of kidney problems and uncontrolled diabetes
Evaluate diarrhea
Evaluate alcoholism
Help diagnose gastrointestinal disorders and certain hormone conditions
Monitor the effectiveness of a treatment
Check for malabsorption or malnutrition

When to Get Tested?

Lab tests are recommended if you are experiencing symptoms associated with abnormal levels of magnesium, including:

Muscle weakness
Irritability
Twitching
Cramping
Confusion
Cardiac arrhythmia
Seizures
Nausea
Diarrhea

Magnesium Advocacy Group tests are also recommended if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels or when you have been prescribed magnesium for treatment purposes.

Benefits of Magnesium Advocacy Group Recommended Lab Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

You'll get secure and confidential results.
You don't need health insurance.
You don't need a physician's referral.
You'll get affordable pricing.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Order your Magnesium Advocacy Group lab tests today, and your results will be provided to you online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

MAG - Iron Panel, Transferrin and Hemoglobin

MAG - Magnesium RBC, Zinc, and Copper Panel

MAG - Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper with Iron Panel

MAG - Vit A&D, Mag RBC, Zinc, Iron & Ferritin

MAG - Vitamin D (1-25, D2, D3), Mag RBC, & Calcium

MAG - Vitamin D (1-25,D2,D3), Potassium RBC & Ca

MAG - Vitamin D, Magnesium RBC, Zinc, Copper & Ca

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!

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