Hypomagnesemia
Overview
Electrolyte disturbance
Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. They help to regulate myocardial and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance and much more. Electrolyte imbalances can develop by the following mechanisms: excessive ingestion; diminished...
in which there is an abnormally low level of magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and common oxidation number +2. It is an alkaline earth metal and the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and ninth in the known universe as a whole...
in the blood. Usually a serum level less than 0.7 mmol/L is used as reference. The prefix hypo- means low (contrast with hyper-, meaning high). The middle 'magnes' refers to magnesium. The end portion of the word, -emia, means 'in the blood.'
Hypomagnesemia is not equal to magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency (medicine)
Magnesium deficiency refers to an intake of dietary magnesium below minimal levels, which can result in numerous symptoms and diseases. These can generally be remedied by an increase of magnesium in diet or oral supplements...
. Hypomagnesemia can be present without magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency (medicine)
Magnesium deficiency refers to an intake of dietary magnesium below minimal levels, which can result in numerous symptoms and diseases. These can generally be remedied by an increase of magnesium in diet or oral supplements...
and vice versa.
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