RBC Magnesium
What This Test Measures
Intracellular magnesium; more accurate than serum
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Serum magnesium shows only about 1% of total body magnesium, so RBC magnesium adds a view of stores inside cells. Gabriel's optimal band is 6.0-6.8 mg/dL. Methods vary by lab, so compare results from the same lab. Low magnesium can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, cramps, migraines and arrhythmias.
When This Test Is High
Rare
When This Test Is Low
Deficiency: muscle cramps, arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia
Related Conditions
Hypertension, arrhythmias, migraines, anxiety, muscle cramps
Recommended Follow-Up
If low, start with magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans). The adult RDA is 310-420 mg a day from all sources, and the upper limit for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg a day (National Academies). Studies used more, and a licensed clinician may suggest more for a deficiency; recheck in 2-3 months