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Magnesium Test

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As one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, magnesium plays a crucial role in the normal function of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart. Abnormal levels of magnesium—whether too high or too low—can lead to a range of health issues, unpleasant symptoms, and a negative impact on your daily life. This finger prick blood test checks the level of magnesium in your blood from the comfort of home. 

Test for: Magnesium

Test Method: Finger Prick test

What do we test for?

Magnesium
Instructional video
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  • Analyzed in ISO-certified laboratory
  • Test results often available within 1 business day after reaching laboratory

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About the test
Symptoms
Summary of Biomarkers
Results
FAQ
About the test

How does Homed-IQ’s Magnesium Test work?

This test measures the concentration of magnesium in the blood. After collecting a small blood sample via a finger prick, send your sample to one of Homed-IQ’s partner laboratories for analysis. Your test results will be sent to your online account within a few days, complete with a laboratory report that can be brought to your GP for followup.

How do I collect my sample for the Magnesium Test? 

This is a finger prick blood test. Your test kit contains all the necessary materials to collect your sample. If you would like to see a step-by-step demonstration of how to take a blood sample using a Homed-IQ test, watch our instructional video.

What’s in the test kit?

This test kit contains instructions for use, lancets for collecting a few drops of blood, a blood collection tube, alcohol wipes, band-aids, a protective transport bag and a return envelope to send your sample to our certified laboratory.

What is the Homed-IQ test process like?

Homed-IQ’s vitamin tests come with everything you need to successfully take a blood sample at home. Simply activate your test and follow the provided instructions to successfully collect the sample and then send it to our certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping label. The results will be available within a few days.

Symptoms

Deficiency symptoms

A slight magnesium deficiency may cause no symptoms at all. Very low magnesium levels may cause:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs or hands
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Muscle twitches and cramps

Toxicity symptoms

Having too much magnesium in the body is also known as hypermagnesmia. Mild cases of hypermagnesemia might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as magnesium levels rise, symptoms can include: 

  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Flushed face
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle weakness

 

In severe cases, excessively high levels of magnesium can cause serious complications like difficulty breathing and cardiac arrest. To avoid excessively high levels of nutrients like magnesium, always consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements and avoid excessive use of medications that contain magnesium.

Summary of Biomarkers

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many body processes, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and the creation of bones and DNA. Magnesium is also linked to improved muscle performance and assists in muscle relaxation and recovery.  

Magnesium deficiency can weaken your bones, cause fatigue and sleepiness, create muscle tremors and spasms, and even increase your risk of heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and palpitations. Studies have shown that the more active you are, the more magnesium you need. A magnesium test indicates whether you have enough magnesium from your diet or whether you could benefit from supplementation.

Results

What do the results of this test mean?

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency can be caused by different factors. If your magnesium level is low, see your GP. While some people can simply make changes to their diet to replenish their magnesium levels, others may require supplements or have another underlying condition that is causing the deficiency.

To boost your magnesium levels through diet, eat more foods that contain it. These foods include:

  • Almonds
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Dark chocolate 
  • Quinoa
  • Chia seeds
  • Peanuts

 

Sufficient Magnesium

A magnesium level above 0.66 mmol/L and below 1.07 mmol/L is sufficient.

Elevated Magnesium

Elevated magnesium is uncommon as excess amounts of this mineral from diet are usually removed from the body by the kidneys. Elevated magnesium could be due to:

  • Kidney failure
  • Addison’s disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Excessive use of antacids or laxatives containing magnesium
  • Overconsumption of supplements

 

If your magnesium level is elevated, see your doctor immediately. If you are taking supplements or laxatives containing magnesium, consider stopping their use.

How soon will I receive the results of this at-home vitamin test? 

Once you have taken your blood sample and sent it to our medical partner laboratory, it should take a few working days to receive your test result. As soon as your test kit arrives at the laboratory you will receive a notification by email. Once your test result is ready, you will receive a text message and an email with a link to your result. Homed-IQ aims to keep you well informed throughout the testing process and provide a seamless testing experience.

Frequently asked questions

What foods are high in magnesium?

Most people obtain adequate magnesium through a balanced diet. Foods that are high in magnesium include spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, legumes, quinoa, and dark chocolate. 

How do I increase my magnesium levels? 

Increasing your magnesium levels can be accomplished through both dietary changes and supplementation: 
  • Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in magnesium-containing foods is the best way to ensure you're getting enough of this important mineral. 
  • Supplements: Magnesium supplements can be an effective way to increase magnesium levels, particularly for individuals who have a deficiency. These come in various forms (such as magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate), each with different absorption rates and uses. It's important to note that taking magnesium supplements can have side effects, especially when taken in large doses. Therefore, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a supplementation regimen. 

What happens if you have too much magnesium?

Having too much magnesium in the body, a condition known as hypermagnesemia, is quite rare but can occur in individuals with kidney disease or who consume large amounts of magnesium-containing laxatives, antacids, or supplements. Mild cases of hypermagnesemia might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as magnesium levels rise, potential symptoms can include: 
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Flushed face
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle weakness
In severe cases, excessively high levels of magnesium can cause serious complications like difficulty breathing and cardiac arrest. While it's important to ensure you're getting enough magnesium, too much can be harmful. To avoid excessively high levels of nutrients like magnesium, always consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements and avoid excessive use of medications that contain magnesium.

What is the best form of magnesium to take?

There are several forms of magnesium available as supplements, each with different absorption rates, bioavailability, and uses. The "best" form can depend on the specific health need you're addressing and how your body responds to it. Some commonly used oral magnesium supplements include: 
  • Magnesium Citrate: This form of magnesium is well-absorbed by the body and can be used to correct a deficiency. In higher doses, it can help with digestion issues like constipation. 
  • Magnesium Oxide: This form of magnesium is not as easily absorbed so it is used less often as a dietary supplement. However, it contains a high amount of elemental magnesium and is often used for constipation relief. 
  • Magnesium Glycinate: Also known as magnesium bisglycinate, this is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that is less likely to cause digestive issues. It's often recommended for those seeking to correct a deficiency. 
  • Magnesium Malate: This type of magnesium is well-absorbed and may have less of a laxative effect than other forms of this mineral.
  • Magnesium Threonate: The body can easily absorb magnesium threonate. Some animal studies have found that magnesium threonate is more effective at increasing magnesium in the brain and improving cognitive function compared to magnesium sulfate (Kim et al., 2020). Magnesium L-threonate may be recommended for its potential benefits for the brain.
  • Magnesium Taurate: Magnesium taurate contains the amino acid taurine. Preliminary research suggests that adequate intake of taurine and magnesium play a role in regulating blood sugar and blood pressure (Sak et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2016). 
The "best" form of magnesium depends on individual needs and circumstances. It's also important to note that consuming too much of any form of magnesium can result in digestive issues like diarrhea, and in extreme cases, more serious side effects. Always speak to a healthcare provider before you begin taking supplements. Source: Hill, 2023

Can you overdose on magnesium?

Yes, it's possible to have too much magnesium, especially from supplements. This condition, known as hypermagnesemia, is relatively rare but can occur if a person ingests large amounts of magnesium, such as due to consuming high-dose magnesium supplements, laxatives, or antacids. Generally, it's hard to overdose on magnesium from dietary sources alone because the kidneys typically eliminate excess amounts in the urine. However, those with kidney problems or certain other health conditions may not be able to excrete excess magnesium properly, which can lead to potentially dangerous levels. If you're considering taking magnesium supplements, it's essential to speak with a healthcare provider first. They can recommend an appropriate dosage based on your overall diet, health status, and specific needs.

How does it work?

Order your test
After you have placed the order, your test kit will be delivered within a few days in discreet packaging.
Activate and take your sample

After creating an account and activating your test online, collect the test sample and return it to the lab using the prepaid shipping label. Homed-IQ tests can be placed in a regular mailbox.

Receive your test result

A certified laboratory will analyze your test. When ready, your results will be published to your account, including a PDF laboratory report that can be brought to your GP for follow-up care.

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