Types of Magnesium Tests

[Janco]

I know there are 5 ways to test magnesium levels. 

Serum

RBC

Ionic

Exa Test

Loading/Tolerance Test.

Although the Serum test is mostly used, it is the least accurate.

Has anybody had any other magnesium tests done exept the Serum test and was there a big difirence in the results?

Janco

myafibheart.com

[Hidden]

Hi Janco, thanks for posting this. Have you any more information on the last 3. 

My understanding is the Serum is the one the medics in the UK do and that is almost always normal. The RBC (red blood cell) test was advised by my London Naturopath; I was at the bottom of the normal range but Nutri Ultra Megamag compound has lifted me into the top quartile (currently waiting for the results of my third test). The Exa test I believe is only available in the USA but sounds better, not heard of the other two.

[Pop007]

My husband who also suffers from an autoimmune condition (MCTD-  painful, swollen joints, poor circulation, muscle weakness) was called at 6pm on Friday evening by his GP. He was told that a recent blood test showed that he had extremely low magnesium levels.   The GP insisted that he go immediately and collect a prescription, that evening..

Firstly, is magnesium deficiency that dangerous? He has blood tests every 6 weeks for his MCTD, so why wasn't it picked up previously.? He has been prescribed magnesium hydroxide ( milk of magnesia?), is that the best supplement or the cheapest? 

I assume that because I saw this post on the AF page ( he's also had), that magnesium effects the heart? Well the only improvement he's noticed is the swelling in his hands- it's improved dramatically!  

Any advice? 

[CDreamer in reply to Pop007]

When serum magnesium levels drop it is extremely serious so well done GP for picking it up, yes low levels will affect heart function.  I assume it was a serum magnesium level because as states it is the only one NHS tend to test for.

I don't think any of us are qualified to advise you but it sounds as if your GP is the go to person.

Magnesium levels within the cell are the ones which are significant to AF, magnesium will always gravitate to serum when there low levels, at the expense of the cells.  Many AFers tend to take magnesium supplements and report it helpful, there are various types available but people like myself cannot take magnesium supplements as it is contraindicated for another condition so it is advisable to be well informed and consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

[Janco in reply to CDreamer]

Thanx CDreamer

I thought magnesium supplements were all very safe, thanx for letting us now about possible contraindications.

My Dr said I can take "slowmag" - magnesium supplements whenever I have taken part, or plan to take part in an endurance bike race, especially in the South African heat when one looses much fluid through sweating.

[CDreamer in reply to Janco]

Sounds sensible, in Spain at present and heat is NOT a problem as the rain in Spain is definitely NOT falling mainly on the plain!

[traveler65 in reply to Pop007]

Pop007 No do not use that magnesium that is ridiculous. Here are the 3 you should use: magnesium L- Threonate (passes the blood brAIN BARRIER--USE IN THE MORNING WITH BREAKFAST): MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE (100 MG CAPS BY pURE eNCAPSULATIONS--2 CAPS WITH LUNCH) AND MAGNESIUM tAURATE (cARDIOVASCULAR rESEARCH BRAND 125 MG CAPS-2 WITH DINNER)--DO NOT TAKE MORE. tHE MAGNESIUM l-THREONATE , KNOWN AS mAGTEIN THAT i USE IS FROM A BRAND CALLED sOURCE nATURALS. tHESE ARE AVAILABLE FROM SWANSONVITAMINS.COM AND ALSO FROM IHERB.COM WHICH SHIP GLOBALLY. mAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE ALSO KNOWN AS MAFNESIUM OXIDE IS GOOD IF YOU ARE VERY CONSTIPATED AND THIS FORM OF CAPSULE MAGNESIUM OXIDE, JUST LIKE CALCIUM CARBONATE IS MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE KIDNEY STONES.