Indicator Explainer
Magnesium
An alkaline earth metal, Magnesium is important for many biochemical functions and reactions; for bone and muscle function, protein and fatty acid formation, activation of B vitamins, blood clotting, insulin secretion, and ATP formation. More than 300 enzymes require magnesium for catalytic action. The adult daily requirement is about 300 mg/day. Magnesium is found in many green plants, vegetables, and seeds; chlorophyll is a magnesium-centered porphyrin compound. Magnesium salts are used for magnesium deficiency supplementation. (NCI04)
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29239. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
Related Tests
Tests that measure or involve this indicator.
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Magnesium (C29239)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29239. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Surficial carbonates in mantle plume sources revealed by magnesium isotopes. — Sci Adv, 2026-10-09 (PMID 42853916; literature)
- Association of Serum Zinc and Magnesium Levels with Asthma Exacerbation Frequency Among Children. — Indian J Pediatr, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42848185; literature)
- Boron-Silicon Hybrid-Coated Magnesium Hydroxide with Gas-Phase and Condensed-Phase Flame Retardancy for EVA Prepared by a One-Step Method. — ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42842806; literature)
- Association of Serum Magnesium, Insulin Resistance, and Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. — Ann Afr Med, 2026-10-07 (PMID 42844945; literature)
- Pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase, but not magnesium or neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, is independently associated with grade ≥3 chemotherapy toxicity in breast cancer: prediction-model development and internal validation in 400 patients. — Cancer Treat Res Commun, 2026-10-07 (PMID 42843252; literature)
- Quantifying the Heterointerface Contribution in a Cu7S4/CuCo2S4 Cathode with LiCl-All-Phenyl Complex Electrolyte for High-Performance Magnesium/Lithium Hybrid-Ion Batteries. — ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2026-10-07 (PMID 42842791; literature)
- Clinical Relevance of Magnesium Supplementation In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. — Mayo Clin Proc, 2026-10-15 (PMID 42880713; literature)
- Electrolyte disturbance phenotypes and adverse outcomes in the intensive care unit: The role of magnesium and potassium abnormalities. — Clin Chim Acta, 2026-10-15 (PMID 42880435; literature)
- Effects of grain size and second phase on the corrosion behavior of degradable magnesium alloys. — Acta Biomater, 2026-10-22 (PMID 42914040; literature)
- Strontium- and magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite scaffolds enhance bone regeneration by promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. — Biomed Mater, 2026-10-21 (PMID 42906602; literature)
- Letter to Editor regarding "Eclampsia despite magnesium sulfate prophylaxis". — Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM, 2026-10-28 (PMID 42951135; literature)
- Synergistic lubrication of trazodone hydrochloride by magnesium stearate and Syloid: Critical role of mixing sequence. — J Pharm Sci, 2026-10-28 (PMID 42950988; literature)