Magnesium range
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Understanding Magnesium Reference Ranges: A Comprehensive Overview
Ionized Magnesium (iMg) Reference Range
Ionized magnesium (iMg) is the physiologically active form of magnesium in the body. Despite its importance, clinical adoption of iMg measurement is limited, with only one commercially available analyzer. Studies have examined iMg levels in healthy individuals to establish a consensus reference range. Research involving 422 healthy individuals (322 adults and 100 children) has suggested reference ranges for iMg. For adults, the reference range is approximately 0.75 to 0.95 mmol/L (1.82 to 2.31 mg/dL), while for children, the range is similar but requires further validation through large-scale studies .
Dietary Reference Values for Magnesium
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established Adequate Intakes (AIs) for magnesium based on observed intakes in healthy populations across the EU. For adults, the AI is set at 350 mg/day for men and 300 mg/day for women. For children, the AI varies by age: 160 mg/day for ages 1 to <3 years, 230 mg/day for ages 3 to <10 years, and 300 mg/day for boys and 250 mg/day for girls aged 10 to <18 years. For infants aged 7-11 months, the AI is 80 mg/day. Pregnant and lactating women have the same AI as non-pregnant, non-lactating women .
Serum Magnesium Reference Range
Serum magnesium (sMg) levels are crucial for diagnosing magnesium deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The commonly accepted reference range for serum magnesium is 0.75 to 0.95 mmol/L (1.82 to 2.31 mg/dL). However, recent data suggest that values below 0.85 mmol/L (2.07 mg/dL) are associated with increased health risks, prompting a recommendation to raise the lower limit of the reference range to 0.85 mmol/L 45.
Magnesium Levels in Special Populations
Neonates and Preterm Infants
Magnesium levels in neonates, especially preterm infants, are generally higher than in adults. At birth, magnesium levels in newborns without prenatal supplementation are around 0.76 mmol/L, increasing to 0.91 mmol/L during the first week of life. For those with prenatal supplementation, levels can be as high as 1.44 mmol/L in the first week. Elevated magnesium levels (>2.5 mmol/L) in neonates are associated with increased risks, but levels up to 2.0 mmol/L are generally well tolerated .
Older Adults in China
A study on Chinese adults over 45 years old found that the average plasma magnesium level was 0.88 mmol/L, with a suggested reference range of 0.75 to 1.14 mmol/L. The prevalence of magnesium deficiency in this population was 6.66%, highlighting the need for age-specific reference ranges .
Conclusion
Magnesium is a vital mineral with significant implications for health. Establishing accurate reference ranges for different forms of magnesium, such as ionized and serum magnesium, is essential for effective clinical diagnosis and treatment. Current research supports a reference range of 0.75 to 0.95 mmol/L for serum magnesium, with a recommendation to raise the lower limit to 0.85 mmol/L to better identify deficiency states. Adequate Intakes for dietary magnesium vary by age and gender, ensuring that different population groups receive appropriate guidance. Further research is needed to refine these ranges and improve clinical outcomes.
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