Hypomagnesemia: Clinical Significance, Diagnosis, and Evaluation

• Dr. Alberto Carlos Reino — Nephrologist, Nefron SAS, Medellín, Colombia; Honorary Professor, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia

Nephrology · Oncology

Magnesium is essential for energy production, neuromuscular function, cardiac rhythm, and electrolyte balance. Hypomagnesemia may present with nonspecific symptoms such as weakness and muscle cramps, but severe deficiency can cause seizures and cardiac arrhythmias. It may also contribute to hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. Diagnosis begins with serum magnesium measurement, although normal levels do not always exclude total-body depletion. Urinary magnesium assessment can help identify renal losses.