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
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)
