COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 252
● To assess overall metabolic function
● To evaluate kidney health
● To monitor electrolyte balance
Serum Magnesium:
Range
Units
Conventional
1.5 - 2.4 mg/dL
Optimal / Functional
> 2.0 mg/dL
Alarm
< 1.2 mg/dL
RBC Magnesium:
Range
Units
Conventional / Functional
4.2 - 6.8 mg/dL
Note: Because magnesium is largely stored inside cells, serum
levels may not reflect the true status. Red Blood Cell (RBC)
magnesium testing is preferred for a more accurate assessment,
as red blood cells contain 233 times more magnesium than serum.
Calcium
Calcium plays a vital role beyond bone health. It supports nerve
transmission, muscle contraction, cardiac function, blood clotting,
and tissue repair. However, only about half of the total calcium in
the bloodstream is in its active, ionized form, which the body is
able to use.
When calcium appears low on labs, it’s often not due to a true
deficiency but rather poor absorption or a lack of key cofactors.
Low stomach acid, along with inadequate levels of magnesium,
phosphorus, iodine, and vitamins A and D, can all interfere with
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