Magnesium (Mg) Lab Values

Normal 1.6 – 2.6 mg/dL

Indications

• Monitor:
  • Renal failure
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Cardiac arrhythmias

Description Magnesium (Mg) is a cation necessary for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, muscle contraction, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) use, nerve impulse conduction, and blood clotting. Magnesium affects the absorption of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium.

 

What would cause increased levels?

• Renal insufficiency
• Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
• Addison Disease
• Dehydration
• Hypothyroidism
• Overuse of antacids
• Tissue trauma

 

What would cause decreased levels?

• Alcoholism
• Diabetic acidosis
• Renal failure:
  • Glomerulonephritis
• Hypercalcemia
• Malnutrition
• Malabsorption
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Diarrhea