Magnesium plays a crucial role in many body processes, including the function of your nerves and muscles. This nutrient helps ensure your heart beats at a steady rhythm, and also promotes strong bones and a healthy immune system. You need magnesium each day, and a healthful diet or daily supplements can help you reach the recommended daily intake. Your doctor may test the magnesium levels in your blood to determine if you have the right amount of this nutrient.
Levels
If you have a risk for a deficiency or toxicity of magnesium, your doctor will typically order a blood test to determine how much you have in your system. A normal magnesium level in your blood will typically range from 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L, reports Chemocare.com. Depending on the results of the test, your doctor may recommend you increase or decrease your magnesium intake.
The average adult requires 350 mg of magnesium each day. Your doctor can help you evaluate your health needs to determine the appropriate daily intake. Food sources include halibut, which provides 90 mg per 3-ounce serving, and a half-cup of cooked spinach, which offers 75 mg. Other food sources include almonds, potatoes, lentils, avocados and bananas.
Deficiency
Consuming less than the recommended daily intake of magnesium will put you at risk for deficiency. If you have low magnesium levels in your blood, you may experience stomach upset, fatigue or change in appetite. Additional symptoms may include muscle weakness, abnormal muscle movements, seizures, muscles cramps or changes in your heart rhythm.
If your lab results show you have a magnesium level below 1.5 mEq/L, this may indicate you have a magnesium deficiency. Your doctor will likely recommend magnesium supplements or an increased dietary intake based on these findings.
High Levels
High magnesium levels, also known as hypermagnesemia, can result in magnesium toxicity, a condition that may cause diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, confusion, change in heart rhythm, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. In most instances, toxic effects will occur from magnesium supplements, not from consuming a diet rich in magnesium.
Blood test results with a blood magnesium level greater than 2.5 mEq/L indicate a risk for toxicity. To avoid high magnesium levels, talk with your doctor about the maximum amount of magnesium you should consume each day. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that the tolerable level of intake should not exceed 350 mg each day for the average adult. Your doctor may recommend a different maximum intake depending on your health conditions.
Considerations
If you suspect that you have high or low levels of magnesium, contact your doctor. Altered levels may stem from high or low intake, but certain health conditions may affect the way your body absorbs magnesium, resulting in these varied states. If diet or supplements do not increase or decrease your magnesium levels, your doctor may test for health conditions that could affect the way your body handles magnesium. As well, certain medications may interact with magnesium and have an effect on your levels.
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