Below the range
Common causes of a low Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
- Alcohol use disorder
- Malnutrition or malabsorption
- Diuretics
- Refeeding syndrome
Looking for the other direction? See what causes a high Magnesium (Mg²⁺).
All tests · Electrolytes & Minerals · Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
Below the range
What causes a low Magnesium (Mg²⁺)?
Normal range 1.6-2.6 mg/dL (0.66-1.07 mmol/L SI). Specimen: Serum. See the full Magnesium (Mg²⁺) reference page for critical values and nursing considerations.
What is the normal range for Magnesium (Mg²⁺)?
The standard teaching reference range for Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is 1.6-2.6 mg/dL in conventional units, or 0.66-1.07 mmol/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.
| Specimen | Serum |
|---|---|
| Conventional range | 1.6-2.6 mg/dL |
| SI range | 0.66-1.07 mmol/L |
| Critical value | < 1.0 or > 4.9 mg/dL |
| Panel | Electrolytes & Minerals |
Full details, including nursing considerations, on the Magnesium (Mg²⁺) normal range page. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.
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