Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral essential for the body to carry out everyday functions — including regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and supporting muscle and nerve function. If you're experiencing potential symptoms of a Magnesium deficiency or want to enhance your overall wellness, you might be considering testing your Magnesium levels. After all, every cell in the body needs Magnesium to function, yet over 50% of people are deficient.

In this article, we’ll cover how to test for Magnesium deficiency, the various testing methods available, what to expect when discussing test results with your doctor, and tips for managing your levels and incorporating more Magnesium into your routine if your body needs it. 

Methods to Test for Magnesium Deficiency 

When it comes to testing for Magnesium deficiency, several options are available. Some Magnesium testing methods are more common, accessible, and accurate than others.

Serum Magnesium Blood Test 

A serum blood test is the most common method to gauge Magnesium status in the body. This lab test measures the amount of magnesium in the blood. If you have symptoms of Magnesium deficiency, your doctor may perform a serum blood test to check and see if you have low or high Magnesium levels. If the results show low Magnesium levels, additional tests, such as a Magnesium urine test or a Magnesium red blood cell test, may be necessary.

While this is the most common type of Magnesium lab test, it’s not usually included in routine blood testing, so you’ll want to ask your healthcare provider about it. It’s important to note that a normal serum Magnesium level does not necessarily rule out a deficiency. This is because 90% of the body's total magnesium is stored in muscles and bones, with only a small percentage actually present in the blood.

Magnesium Urine Test

To gain more insight into your Magnesium levels, your healthcare provider may order a Magnesium urine test. This test typically involves collecting urine over a 24-hour period to measure the amount of Magnesium excreted by the kidneys. This test can help determine whether low levels are due to kidney challenges, insufficient intake, or insufficient Magnesium absorption.

Magnesium Red Blood Cell (RBC) Test 

To get a more detailed picture of your Magnesium levels, your healthcare provider may also recommend a Magnesium Red Blood Cell (RBC) test. This particular test measures the amount of Magnesium inside your red blood cells, giving a more accurate snapshot of Magnesium status compared to a standard serum Magnesium blood test. The Magnesium RBC test is especially useful because it can reveal early deficiency since it measures the presence of this mineral in actual cells vs the bloodstream.

Magnesium EXA Test 

The Magnesium EXA Test is another option for checking Magnesium levels. This test involves scraping the inside of the cheek with a piece of plastic and wiping the sample on a test strip, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. Unlike more conventional tests, the Magnesium EXA Test is not commonly offered. However, it can be ordered online or accessed through a functional or naturopathic doctor who can walk you through the testing process and read your test results.

Hair Analysis 

Hair analysis is another method for checking Magnesium levels. This test involves examining mineral deficiencies, including Magnesium, in a hair sample. It is not typically standard practice when a healthcare provider suspects a Magnesium deficiency; a serum blood test is more common. However, a hair analysis test can be done at home or with the help of a healthcare practitioner. While hair analysis is not the most reliable method, one study suggests that measuring Magnesium concentration in hair might be an easier, cheaper, and less invasive way to check levels.

Discussing Your Results With Your Doctor 

Once you’ve taken a Magnesium test, it’s important to review your results with your healthcare provider. If your provider conducted the test, they’ll likely contact you if your levels are low and you need to take a dietary Magnesium supplement. You can also check your online health records or contact your doctor’s office to find out your results. If your Magnesium levels are low, ask about potential dietary supplement options and find out how much Magnesium you should take to reach normal levels.

If you opted for an at-home Magnesium test, bring your results to your provider so they can interpret them and decide on next steps. To fully assess your Magnesium status, additional lab tests and a clinical assessment may be needed. Regardless of the testing method used, be sure to follow up with your provider to chat about the different ways to raise your Magnesium levels. 

Discovering Solutions 

If you’ve taken a Magnesium test and identified a deficiency, or if you’re simply looking to maintain healthy levels of this essential mineral, there are a few effective strategies to support your levels:

Eat a Magnesium-Rich Diet 

Incorporating Magnesium-rich foods into your diet is a natural way to boost your magnesium intake. Good sources of Magnesium include:

• Pumpkin seeds (1 oz has 156 mg of Magnesium)
• Chia seeds (1 oz has 111 mg of Magnesium)
• Almonds (1 oz has 80 mg of Magnesium)
• Spinach (½ cup has 78 mg of Magnesium)
• Cashews (1 oz has 74 mg of Magnesium)
• Peanuts (1 oz has 63 mg of Magnesium)
• Black beans (1 oz has 60 mg of Magnesium)
• Edamame (1 oz has 50 mg of Magnesium)

While these foods are rich in Magnesium, only about 30% to 40% of the Magnesium you consume through diet is absorbed by the body. If you have a deficiency, relying solely on dietary sources will likely not be enough to restore optimal levels. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Magnesium supplements to determine the right dosage and Magnesium type for your needs.

Take a Magnesium Supplement 

When it comes to Magnesium supplements, you have two main options: capsules or powder. If you prefer capsule form, choose a high-quality product without fillers or additives and follow the dosage guidelines on the label. If you’d rather opt for Magnesium powder, select a high-quality option that avoids added sweeteners and includes various supplements for nutritional synergy.

A well-rounded Magnesium powder supplement is Magnesi-Om®. It includes three bioavailable forms of Magnesium and L-Theanine to promote relaxation, brain health, and regularity. Chelated Magnesium Gluconate and Acetyl Taurinate are included to support muscle relaxation and cognitive function, while Magnesium Citrate helps with regular bowel movements, and L-Theanine encourages mental calm. To use: mix 1 teaspoon of Magnesi-Om® powder into water nightly or whenever you need to relax.

Takeaways 

In this article, we explored how to test for Magnesium deficiency, reviewed a range of testing methods, and discussed what to expect when reviewing results with your doctor. Now that you understand the different options for testing your Magnesium levels, you can make an informed decision about which test might be right for you. With this knowledge, you can talk with your healthcare provider to access the appropriate tests and discover your current levels. From there, you can support your health by incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet and considering high quality Magnesium supplements if needed. 

Magnesium plays crucial roles in the body, so testing and managing your levels is essential for overall wellness. Take the next step to test for Magnesium deficiency and ensure you’re meeting your body’s needs.