Risks and limits of Magnesium Labor

Magnesium lab tests (serum magnesium) have significant limitations: only about 1 % of the body's magnesium is in the blood, with the rest stored in bones and cells. A normal serum level does not rule out deficiency because the body tightly regulates blood levels. Additionally, inflammation, kidney function, or medications can distort results. Direct-to-consumer tests often lack clinical utility. For a reliable assessment, additional methods like the magnesium retention test or measurement in red blood cells are needed. The evidence for self-testing is weak; it may lead to unnecessary supplementation or false reassurance. If a deficiency is suspected, a doctor should be consulted.