Normal value of magnesium
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Normal Value of Magnesium: Dietary and Serum Levels
Dietary Reference Values for Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral required for numerous physiological functions. 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. Infants aged 7-11 months have an AI of 80 mg/day. Pregnant and lactating women have the same AI as non-pregnant, non-lactating women, indicating no increased need during these periods .
Serum Magnesium Concentration
Normal Serum Magnesium Levels
The normal concentration of magnesium in human serum is generally considered to be in the range of 0.75-0.95 mmol/L (1.7-2.3 mg/dL) Bargnoux2022Musso2009. This range is consistent across various studies and is used as a standard reference for assessing magnesium status in clinical settings.
Variations in Serum Magnesium
Serum magnesium levels can vary based on several factors, including age, sex, and race. For instance, a national survey in the United States from 1971-1974 found that serum magnesium levels decrease from age 1 to 24 in both sexes, with females showing an increase after age 25, while males' levels remain relatively stable after age 17. Additionally, white individuals generally have higher serum magnesium levels compared to black individuals .
Serum Magnesium in Special Populations
In preterm infants, serum magnesium levels are higher than in adults, particularly in the first week of life, before stabilizing to adult levels. Factors such as prenatal magnesium supplementation, gestational age, and birth weight influence these levels . In patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, the concentration of ionized magnesium (iMg) is a critical factor, with normal values ranging from 0.45-0.60 mmol/L. Adjusting the dialysate magnesium concentration can help manage magnesium balance in these patients .
Correlation Between Dietary Intake and Serum Levels
A study conducted in Japan found a correlation between daily magnesium intake and serum magnesium concentration. The mean daily intake was approximately 322 mg/day, and the mean serum magnesium concentration was around 20.69 ppm. The study proposed a linear regression model to describe this relationship, indicating that dietary intake can influence serum levels, although the correlation coefficient was relatively low (r = 0.28) .
Conclusion
Understanding the normal values of magnesium, both in dietary intake and serum concentration, is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The established AIs provide a guideline for adequate dietary intake, while the normal serum magnesium range of 0.75-0.95 mmol/L serves as a reference for clinical assessments. Variations in serum levels can occur due to age, sex, race, and specific health conditions, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches in managing magnesium status.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic