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Is there an accurate test for magnesium deficiency?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 06/17/2017 | Last Updated: 06/21/2017

Answer:

There are a number of tests designed to measure magnesium levels, however, most (including the most common test, serum magnesium concentration, or SMC) do not provide a complete assessment of magnesium status. For this reason, doctors use a combination of testing and evaluation of symptoms to diagnose magnesium deficiency. These include the serum magnesium concentration (SMC) test, the red blood cell (RBC) test, the magnesium loading test, the 24-hour excretion test, and others. Get more details about each of these in the ConsumerTips section of the Magnesium Supplements Review >>

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Help! How do I know how much magnesium I am actually getting from my supplement? The label says it contains 500 mg of magnesium "as magnesium citrate" -- but how much of that is magnesium and how much is citrate? >>

Is it true that I should not keep magnesium supplements in a daily pill pack mixed with other supplements and medicines? >>

How can the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium be higher than the Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL)? That is, how can an amount which is healthful also put you at risk for harm? >>

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