What is the normal range for serum magnesium?

What is the normal range for serum magnesium?

• A. 1.0-1.5 mg/dL
• B. 1.2-2.0 mg/dL
• C. 1.3-2.1 mg/dL
• D. 1.5-2.5 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

Normal serum magnesium is typically 1.5 to 2.5 mg/dL. Magnesium supports many body functions, especially nerve and muscle activity and heart rhythm. Keeping levels in this range helps prevent neuromuscular irritability and cardiac conduction issues. If magnesium drops below this range (hypomagnesemia), you can see muscle tremors, cramps, and potential seizures, and it often accompanies shifts in calcium or potassium. If it rises above this range (hypermagnesemia), reflexes may be diminished, and it can lead to hypotension, slowed heart rate, or respiratory depression, particularly in kidney failure or with excessive intake. So the 1.5–2.5 mg/dL window is the target for normal function.

Normal serum magnesium is typically 1.5 to 2.5 mg/dL. Magnesium supports many body functions, especially nerve and muscle activity and heart rhythm. Keeping levels in this range helps prevent neuromuscular irritability and cardiac conduction issues. If magnesium drops below this range (hypomagnesemia), you can see muscle tremors, cramps, and potential seizures, and it often accompanies shifts in calcium or potassium. If it rises above this range (hypermagnesemia), reflexes may be diminished, and it can lead to hypotension, slowed heart rate, or respiratory depression, particularly in kidney failure or with excessive intake. So the 1.5–2.5 mg/dL window is the target for normal function.