02/16/2026
WHAT? WHY SHOULD YOU KNOW YOUR SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVEL? : TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH OUTCOMES!!!
Many of you routinely have your A1C measured and recognize the risk if it is high. How many of you know what your serum magnesium level is? It turns out that a normal serum magnesium should be between 2.1-2.4 mg/dL for better health outcomes.
Magnesium levels below 2.1 mg/dL can contribute to the following conditions and possibly other health problems:
Increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of infections
Increased risk of fractures
Increased risk of memory loss or cognitive function
Increased risk of cancer, or poor response to chemotherapy
Increased risk of anxiety and depression
Increased risk of hypertension
Unfortunately, a serum magnesium level is NOT included in the standard blood tests including the basic metabolic panel, nor the comprehensive metabolic panel, so YOU WILL need to request a blood test to determine it from your primary care provider. Please remember, the lab "normal range" is only the average of the values of that population and is not the value that is recommended for good health. The goal is now between 2.1-2.4 mg/dL.
Magnesium comes from a lot of different fruits, nuts, greens, and healthy foods. However, if you are unable to achieve this level with your diet, Magnesium Glycinate (from a company that has a USP approval) 100-200 mg several times daily may help you reach this goal. This is an over the counter supplement that may help you feel a lot better.
Symptoms of a low magnesium may be as vague as fatigue, shortness of breath, skipped heart beats, leg cramps, tetany, and loss of appetite.
Bottom line: KNOW YOUR SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVEL TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH. ASK YOUR PROVIDER TODAY FOR A BLOOD TEST. YOUR GOAL IS A LEVEL BETWEEN 2.1-2.4 mg/dL.
