How often do you think about your mineral levels?
Unless you're a professional athlete, doctor, or nutritionist, it probably doesn't cross your mind more than once a year at your annual physical. If you're taking a multivitamin, that's even better than most!
Magnesium is crucial to the body's muscle, hormonal, and nerve function. Without it, you're likely feeling tired, crampy, and anxious. You may have a hard time focusing and struggle to sleep, digest meals, or enjoy sex.
Magnesium blood tests are the first look into what your body may be lacking. Read on to understand how magnesium deficiency feels and how the correct magnesium deficiency test can start you on the right track to functional healing.
Risk Factors For Magnesium Deficiency
Some populations are at a higher risk for magnesium deficiency. These include:
- Diabetics
- Those with an unhealthy diet
- Pregnant women
- Those taking medications that inhibit magnesium stores in the body
- Those with vitamin D deficiency
- Those with gastrointestinal conditions
- Alcoholics
If you fall under any of these groups, it might be worth getting tested.
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is caused by the body's inability to properly absorb the mineral in the gut or excess magnesium loss through the body's waste. In addition, kidney problems may affect magnesium excretion, as it is the kidney's responsibility to determine optimal levels in the body.
Magnesium levels are also known to take a hit during pregnancy.
Nutrition lacking in essential vitamins and minerals may also affect magnesium levels.
Signs and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is a metabolic necessity in our bodies. It's needed in optimal amounts for your bones, muscles, nerves, digestive tract, hormones, blood sugar, and heart.
Magnesium deficiency can range from barely noticeable to extremely uncomfortable. Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:
- Muscle cramping
- Depression and anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- High blood pressure and heart arrhythmia
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Low levels of other minerals - like calcium and potassium
Having any one of a few of these symptoms may not necessarily point to a deficiency. It will take a lab test to determine if you are.
Lab Tests for Magnesium Deficiency
Your doctor will require a magnesium deficiency lab test to screen, diagnose and monitor your condition. To confirm that you are magnesium deficient, a doctor may request a urine sample, though a blood test is most efficient.
A magnesium deficiency test is also known as a serum magnesium test. Its purpose is to measure the amount of magnesium in the blood–-though a majority of the body's magnesium stores are found in the bones.
You can initiate your blood draw from one of 2,100 state and federally certified blood-draw centers near your home. Once your specimen is collected, it is sent to Quest Diagnostics to process, and your results will be available for you to view on your Ulta Lab Tests dashboard.
An optimal blood (serum) magnesium level is is 1.8 to 2.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything lower than this range may be diagnosed by your doctor as hypomagnesemia and will need an immediate treatment plan.
Magnesium Deficiency Lab Tests FAQ
If this is all very new to you, don't worry! We have a dedicated team prepared to answer your questions and an intuitive website to easily select and order your tests and review your results.
What are the types of magnesium deficiency?
Though there is a singular metric for magnesium deficiency in the human body, there are a few different types of magnesium. These include:
- Magnesium citrate - extremely bioavailable source of magnesium naturally found in citrus fruits and supplements
- Magnesium oxide - not typically used for magnesium deficiencies, but valuable for soothing digestive symptoms
- Magnesium chloride - easily absorbed in the digestive system and used for treating low magnesium levels, heartburn, and constipation
- Magnesium lactate - often taken by those who need high levels of magnesium
- Magnesium malate - a gentle supplemental form of magnesium
- Magnesium taurate - supports healthy blood pressure
- Magnesium L-threonate - known for increasing magnesium levels in brain cells
- Magnesium sulfate - used to soothe achy muscles-- also known as Epsom salt
- Magnesium glycinate - magnesium with calming properties
- Magnesium orotate - used to treat symptoms of severe congestive heart failure and blood pressure disorders
Once you receive your lab results, you can work with your healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
Who should be tested for magnesium deficiency?
If you meet any of the above risk factors, are experiencing low libido, poor sleep, or lethargy, you may want to get tested for magnesium deficiency. Improving your magnesium levels may improve your quality of life.
How is magnesium deficiency diagnosed?
Magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia, will appear on a blood test. Once you have received your convenient results, your doctor will determine your next course of action.
Are results shared privately?
Yes, we provide secure and confidential results. You may access your results within your private online account.
Do you require insurance or a doctor's referral to receive magnesium deficiency testing?
No, you may purchase lab testing without insurance or a doctor's note. Our tests are for those who want to take a proactive role in monitoring their health.
How do you approach customer service?
Finally, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you aren't happy with our service, we'll work to make it right.
Magnesium Blood Tests With Ulta Lab Tests
Are you dealing with the fallout of a potential magnesium deficiency? A magnesium blood test is just one test away from feeling confident and in control of your body.
Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable 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 deficiency lab test today. The results of our magnesium blood tests can be provided to you securely and confidently online–usually within 24-48 hours!
Take charge of your health and track your progress with Ulta Lab Tests.
