Magnesium, RBC

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Magnesium is an essential mineral vital for hundreds of bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and bone health. While a serum magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood at a single point in time, the Red Blood Cell (RBC) Magnesium test provides a more accurate reflection of your body's long-term magnesium stores and tissue levels. This is because most magnesium is found within cells, not in the blood plasma. Evaluating RBC magnesium levels can help identify chronic deficiencies that might be missed by standard serum tests, offering a comprehensive insight into your magnesium status for overall health and well-being.

Quick facts

Sample type

Red blood cells (RBCs)

Turnaround

2–4 business days

Fasting

No Fasting Required

Doctor’s order included

Licensed physician review and requisition included with every test.

Magnesium, RBC

  • Metabolic Health
  • Wellness & Preventive Health
  • Cpt Codes
    • 83735

    what is Magnesium, RBC and why is it important?

    <p>Magnesium is an essential mineral vital for hundreds of bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and bone health. While a serum magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood at a single point in time, the Red Blood Cell (RBC) Magnesium test provides a more accurate reflection of your body's long-term magnesium stores and tissue levels. This is because most magnesium is found within cells, not in the blood plasma. Evaluating RBC magnesium levels can help identify chronic deficiencies that might be missed by standard serum tests, offering a comprehensive insight into your magnesium status for overall health and well-being.</p>

    When to consider the Magnesium, RBC test:

    • If you frequently experience unexplained muscle spasms, cramps, or tremors.
    • If you suffer from chronic fatigue, low energy, or persistent weakness.
    • If you have unexplainable anxiety, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.
    • If you have a history of migraines or tension headaches.
    • If you've been diagnosed with or are at risk for osteoporosis, as magnesium is crucial for bone health.
    • If you are managing blood sugar issues, as magnesium impacts glucose regulation.
    • If your serum magnesium levels appear normal, but you continue to exhibit symptoms suggestive of magnesium deficiency.

    Individuals who could benefit from the Magnesium, RBC test:

    • Individuals experiencing symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, or abnormal heart rhythms, which can be signs of magnesium deficiency.
    • Those with chronic conditions affecting nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or chronic diarrhea.
    • People on long-term medications known to deplete magnesium, including certain diuretics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
    • Individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as magnesium plays a critical role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
    • Athletes or highly active individuals who may have increased magnesium needs due to sweat loss.
    • Anyone seeking a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of their long-term magnesium status, as RBC magnesium levels reflect tissue stores better than serum levels.

    The Magnesium, RBC test is commonly used to aid in the diagnosis and management of:

    • Chronic Magnesium Deficiency: Especially when standard serum magnesium levels appear normal but clinical symptoms persist.
    • Unexplained Muscle Spasms, Cramps, or Tremors: Indicative of neuromuscular irritability potentially linked to magnesium imbalance.
    • Persistent Fatigue, Weakness, or Low Energy: As magnesium is a key cofactor in ATP production and energy metabolism.
    • Anxiety, Irritability, or Sleep Disturbances: Reflecting magnesium's role in neurotransmitter function and calming the nervous system.
    • Migraines or Tension Headaches: Low intracellular magnesium is often associated with various headache disorders.
    • Osteoporosis and Bone Health Concerns: Magnesium is vital for bone matrix formation and density.
    • Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: Due to magnesium's critical involvement in glucose regulation and insulin signaling.
    • Certain Cardiovascular Issues: Including arrhythmias or hypertension where maintaining proper electrolyte balance, including magnesium, is crucial.
    • Malabsorption Syndromes: Such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or chronic diarrhea, which can lead to chronic nutrient deficiencies.
    • Monitoring of Magnesium-Depleting Medications: For individuals on long-term diuretics or proton pump inhibitors.

    Caution

    It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to interpret your Magnesium, RBC test results. They can help you understand what your levels mean in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history, and recommend appropriate next steps or treatments.

    How It Works?

    1
    Add Your Test to Cart and Check out

    once Test Order is received, Our physicians will review your request and email you the easy-to-follow requisition form.


    2
    Locate and Visit Your Nearest Laboratory

    Find the closest partner location—most are within 2–3 miles—and drop by for a quick, no‑appointment blood draw.


    3
    Get your Results Online

    Once your sample is processed, we’ll send your report straight to your inbox within 1–3 business days. Just click the link to view your results anytime.


    4
    Book a Optional Consult

    Have Questions about results? Book a phone or video visit with one of our doctors. They’ll walk you through your report, explain any findings, and recommend next steps