A magnesium load test in the diagnosis of magnesium deficiency
Holm, C.N.; Jepsen, J.M.; Sjøgaard, G.; Hessov, I.
Human Nutrition. Clinical Nutrition 41(4): 301-306
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0263-8290 PMID: 3623992 Document Number: 298583
The value of a standardized magnesium load test in the diagnosis of magnesium deficiency is described. Blood samples were obtained from 21 patients, ages 30-53, who 4 to 10 years previously had undergone intestinal bypass surgery for severe obesity. Muscle specimens were obtained by needle biopsy. Magnesium-deficient patients were treated daily with 22.5 mmol magnesium. Normal plasma magnesium concentrations were found in patients, all of whom were in a nutritional steady state condition. The urinary excretion of magnesium in the patient group was significantly lower than that of the control. The magnesium load test showed a significant decrease in magnesium retention. A slight negative correlation was found between the amount of magnesium in muscle and magnesium retention. Four patients with initial low muscle magnesium and a high magnesium retention showed an increment of muscle magnesium during magnesium chloride treatment. Findings suggest that there is a relationship between the concentration of magnesium in muscle and magnesium retention; the load test may be applied as a screening test in diagnosing magnesium deficiency.