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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Minerals

Magnesium

Magnesium is critical for muscle contraction, energy metabolism, and recovery. Athletes may have increased needs due to sweat losses and higher metabolic demands.

What It Measures

This test measures the level of magnesium in your blood serum. Since most magnesium is stored inside cells and bones, serum levels may not fully reflect total body magnesium status.

Why It Matters

Magnesium supports heart rhythm, muscle relaxation, nerve signalling, and bone health. Deficiency is common and may be associated with muscle cramps, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience muscle cramps, weakness, heart palpitations, or sleep difficulties. Athletes and those with restricted diets may benefit from regular magnesium monitoring.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Symptoms of low magnesium may include muscle cramps, twitching, fatigue, weakness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and heart palpitations.

High Levels

High magnesium is uncommon in healthy individuals but may cause nausea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties. It is usually related to kidney impairment or excessive supplementation.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low magnesium may cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Consider magnesium glycinate supplementation (400 mg daily).

If High

High magnesium is rare but may indicate kidney dysfunction or excessive supplementation. Reduce supplement intake.

Female

If Low

Low magnesium may cause muscle cramps, PMS, and fatigue. Consider magnesium glycinate supplementation (300-400 mg daily).

If High

High magnesium is rare but may indicate kidney dysfunction or excessive supplementation. Reduce supplement intake.

Lifestyle Tips

Include magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark chocolate. Reducing stress and limiting alcohol and caffeine may also support magnesium levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is magnesium deficiency so common?
Modern diets often lack magnesium-rich foods, and factors like stress, alcohol, and certain medications can deplete magnesium. Soil depletion has also reduced magnesium content in some crops.
Can magnesium help with sleep?
Magnesium may support relaxation and sleep quality due to its role in nervous system regulation. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on supplementation.
Which form of magnesium is best?
Different forms have different absorption rates and uses. Your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate form based on your specific needs.