What Magnesium tells you
Nutritional markers covering common vitamins and minerals. Levels can vary with diet, lifestyle, and individual factors, and are best interpreted with your doctor.
Which Honed panels include Magnesium
Magnesium is measured in the Performance Panel. Every sample is collected at a pathology collection centre and processed at a NATA-accredited laboratory against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure online report.
Why Magnesium matters
Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes, including energy production (ATP synthesis), muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and nervous system function. It is obtained from leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Magnesium is lost in sweat during intense training and can become depleted with high training loads. Deficiency impairs energy production, muscle function, and recovery. Magnesium is also involved in stress response and sleep quality.
The range explained
Low levels
Low serum magnesium (below 0.75 mmol/L) indicates deficiency and impairs energy production and muscle function. Note: serum magnesium is a poor marker of total body magnesium stores; red blood cell magnesium is more accurate.
Normal range
Reference range: 0.75–1.0 mmol/L. However, intracellular magnesium status is more relevant to athletic performance.
High levels
Elevated serum magnesium (above 1.0 mmol/L) is uncommon and usually indicates kidney dysfunction.
What affects Magnesium
- Training: High training loads increase magnesium losses through sweat and increased metabolic utilization. Athletes need adequate magnesium replacement.
- Nutrition: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in magnesium. Adequate magnesium intake supports energy production and recovery.
- Sleep: Magnesium supports sleep quality; deficiency impairs sleep.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases magnesium utilization in the stress response. Athletes under high stress need more magnesium.
When to retest
Every 12 months for general health; more frequently for athletes with high training loads.
Why athletes care
Endurance and strength athletes benefit from monitoring magnesium because deficiency impairs energy production, muscle function, and recovery; many athletes benefit from supplementation.
Related vitamins & minerals markers
FAQ
What does the Magnesium blood test measure?
A mineral involved in many enzymatic processes, including energy production and muscle function. Levels can be affected by diet and lifestyle and are interpreted in context.
Which Honed Health panels include Magnesium?
Magnesium is included in the Performance panel.
What unit is Magnesium measured in?
Magnesium is reported in mmol/L, measured at NATA-accredited laboratories against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure report.