Blood tests are often the first and foremost evaluation doctors recommend after developing any symptoms. But if orthopedic surgeon Dr Manan Vora is to go by, blood tests “may not accurately reflect magnesium levels”. “It is so because 60 percent of magnesium is stored in the bones, and 39 percent is stored in soft tissues like muscles. Magnesium is the number one mineral deficiency, with adults needing 300 to 420 mg daily,” said Dr Vora.
According to Dr Vora, adequate magnesium helps reduce anxiety, promotes better sleep, can even reduce migraines, and is extremely crucial for those with high blood pressure and other heart health conditions. “You can have one-ounce almonds, half a cup of boiled spinach which can give you 19 per cent of your daily intake, can have one ounce of chia seeds, which gives 26 per cent of your daily intake,” he added.
Taking a cue from his revelation, we decided to ask other experts.
Are you having enough magnesium? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Indeed, your blood test report may not accurately reflect your body’s magnesium levels, affirmed Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai. “This is because most of the magnesium in your body is stored in the bones and soft tissues, and only a few percent of it is found in the bloodstream. This simply means that your blood tests may not be able to capture the total magnesium levels in the body effectively,” added Dr Agarwal.
Consequently, even if a blood test indicates normal magnesium levels, the body could still be experiencing a magnesium deficiency in the cellular or tissue compartments. “This makes it challenging to diagnose magnesium deficiencies solely through standard serum blood tests,” said Dr Hema Malini Aiyer, senior consultant, pathology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Delhi.
Specialised tests, such as magnesium retention tests or testing magnesium levels in red blood cells, can provide a more accurate representation of magnesium stores in the body. “However, these tests are not widely used in clinical practice. Given the widespread role magnesium plays in the body and the potential health risks of deficiency, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to consider a patient’s symptoms and dietary intake, rather than relying solely on blood test results, when assessing magnesium levels,” said Dr Aiyer.
Furthermore, magnesium plays a critical role in over 300 biochemical reactions, affecting everything from nerve function to muscle contractions and heart health, said Dr Aiyar. “Deficiencies can lead to a range of health issues, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, anxiety, and cardiovascular problems. Given that magnesium depletion is often subtle and slow-developing, a person can be deficient for long periods without noticeable symptoms, which further complicates diagnosis,” said Dr Aiyer.
According to Dr Agarwal, the human body performs a “compensatory mechanism” regarding magnesium. “So even if your tissue magnesium may be low, the blood levels may remain normal. This often leads to magnesium deficiency in many, making it crucial to manage and maintain your total body magnesium levels to improve your health,” said Dr Agarwal.
She mentioned that it can be achieved by incorporating healthier meals into your diet. “Individuals are encouraged to eat magnesium-rich foods like boiled spinach, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, quinoa, brown rice, lentils, oatmeal, and dark chocolate. If you cannot complete your daily magnesium intake through your diet, then taking magnesium supplements can be helpful,” said Dr Agarwal.
Consult a doctor who may suggest appropriate magnesium supplements after evaluating your current health status. “Do not take any kind of supplements without consulting your doctor. Other lifestyle adjustments like being hydrated, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and limiting processed foods can be helpful,” Dr Agarwal asserted.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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