Educational information only. At Precursor, blood testing is requested and reviewed by a clinician and considered alongside your history and other markers, not as a stand-alone diagnosis. Testing is performed in NATA-accredited laboratories to ISO 15189 standards.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of processes in the body, from energy production and muscle and nerve function to blood sugar regulation and bone health. Most of it is stored in bone and inside cells, with only a small fraction in the blood.

Why it matters

Magnesium supports so many systems that even a modest shortfall can have wide-ranging effects, including on muscle cramps, sleep and energy. The blood test is a useful, accessible check, keeping in mind that it reflects only the small circulating portion.

What your results can mean

Lower than optimal

A low magnesium can relate to diet, gut absorption, certain medications or alcohol, and can contribute to cramps and other symptoms. It is generally addressable with clinical guidance.

Within the healthy range

A magnesium in range is reassuring, though because blood levels reflect only a small share of body stores, it is read alongside your symptoms.

Reference ranges in Australia

Magnesium is reported in millimoles per litre (mmol/L), with laboratory-specific reference ranges. Read your result against your own report and in the context of your symptoms.

Test your magnesium with Precursor

Magnesium is best read alongside your other minerals and nutrients. At Precursor it is measured as part of Full Advanced Bloods, a single clinician-reviewed blood draw covering your vitamins, bone, metabolic and other markers together, giving you and your clinician a broad baseline to understand and track.