What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your magnesium levels mean for your muscle function, energy, and sleep quality. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, supplement suggestions, or lifestyle adjustments to optimize your magnesium levels. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your magnesium levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.

When will I get my results?

Your test results will be available approximately 4 business days after your blood sample is collected at the lab. You'll receive both easy-to-understand doctor notes and the complete lab report, giving you a clear picture of your magnesium status and what steps to take next.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is especially useful for people experiencing muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching, chronic fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, or unexplained irritability and mood changes. It's also valuable for those with digestive issues, people on certain medications that deplete magnesium, athletes with high physical demands, or anyone who suspects they're not getting enough magnesium from their diet.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs of magnesium deficiency include frequent muscle cramps (especially in your legs at night), persistent fatigue or low energy, trouble falling or staying asleep, irritability or anxiety, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, and weakness or muscle tension. You might also experience headaches, poor concentration, or feeling cold frequently.

How can I naturally support my magnesium levels?

Increasing magnesium-rich foods in your diet is the best starting point. Focus on leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard, nuts and seeds (especially almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds), whole grains, legumes, dark chocolate, and avocados. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can help your body retain more magnesium, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can prevent magnesium depletion.

What does low magnesium mean?

Low RBC magnesium indicates your body doesn't have adequate magnesium stores to support normal muscle and nerve function. This deficiency can develop from inadequate dietary intake, digestive issues that prevent absorption, chronic stress that depletes magnesium, or certain medications. Low magnesium explains many symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and sleep disturbances because magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body.

What causes low magnesium levels?

Magnesium deficiency can result from several factors including poor dietary intake (not eating enough magnesium-rich foods), digestive disorders like Crohn's disease or celiac disease that impair absorption, chronic stress which increases magnesium loss, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications including diuretics and proton pump inhibitors. High-intensity exercise and excessive sweating can also deplete magnesium stores.

How often should I retest my magnesium levels?

If your initial test shows low magnesium and you start supplementation or dietary changes, retest in 8-12 weeks to see if your levels have improved. Once your levels are optimized, annual testing is typically sufficient for monitoring unless you develop new symptoms or risk factors. If you're managing a chronic condition or taking medications that affect magnesium, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing every 3-6 months.