Evaluation of magnesium deficiency

Last reviewed: 17 Apr 2025
Last updated: 16 Jul 2024

Summary

Differentials

Common

  • Malnutrition
  • Isolated dietary magnesium deficiency
  • Drug-induced
  • Alcohol misuse
  • Laxative abuse
  • Crohn disease
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Celiac disease
  • Short gut syndrome
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
Full details

Uncommon

  • Excess of intravenous fluids
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Whipple disease
  • Cirrhosis
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hungry bone syndrome
  • Recovery phase of acute tubular necrosis
  • Renal tubular acidosis
  • Postobstructive diuresis
  • Primary renal magnesium wasting
  • Preeclampsia
  • Pregnancy
Full details

Contributors

Authors

Andrea Romani, MD

Associate Professor

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

School of Medicine

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland

OH

Disclosures

AR is the author of several studies referenced in this topic.

Peer reviewers

Rhian Touyz, MD, PhD

Professor

Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science

BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre

Glasgow

UK

Disclosures

Not disclosed.

Paul Dargan, MB, BS, FRCPE, FACMT

Consultant Physician and Clinical Director

Clinical Toxicology Service

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

London

UK

Disclosures

PD is the author of one case report referenced in this topic.

References

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Key articles

Swaminathan R. Magnesium metabolism and its disorders. Clin Biochem Rev. 2003 May;24(2):47-66.Full text  Abstract

Tong GM, Rude RK. Magnesium deficiency in critical illness. J Intensive Care Med. 2005 Jan-Feb;20(1):3-17. Abstract

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.

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