Magnesium, RBC

Overview:

Only a small fraction of the body's magnesium circulates in serum; the rest is held in bone and inside cells. The body defends the serum level, so it can remain within range while cellular stores fall, which is the main limitation of a standard serum magnesium. Measuring magnesium inside red blood cells gives a picture closer to tissue status and, because red cells live around three months, one that reflects a longer period. It is used when magnesium deficiency is suspected despite a normal serum result, and when assessing people with conditions or medications that deplete magnesium over time.

Categories:

Vitamins & Nutrients, Electrolytes

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker