COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 251
or aluminum levels4such as from antacids4can reduce
phosphate absorption by forming insoluble compounds in the gut.
Phosphorus levels should always be checked alongside calcium
for proper interpretation.
When to run this test:
● To examine digestive sufficiency
● In cases of poor nutrient absorption or long-term antacid use
● To evaluate parathyroid function
Range
Units
Conventional
2.3 - 4.7 mg/dL
Optimal / Functional
3.0 - 4.0 mg/dL
Alarm
< 2.0 or > 5.0 mg/dL
Magnesium
Magnesium is a foundational mineral that supports nearly every
system in the body. It’s essential for producing and regulating
ATP4the body’s main source of cellular energy4and plays a
central role in metabolizing carbohydrates and proteins. It
supports healthy nerve signaling, muscle contraction, blood
clotting, and bone strength.
Magnesium also works in close partnership with calcium, helping
to regulate calcium absorption in the intestines. When magnesium
is low, calcium may be pulled from the bones, which can
contribute to bone loss and calcification in soft tissues. This
relationship makes magnesium especially important in maintaining
long-term mineral balance and structural health.
When to run this test:
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