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Magnesium (RBC)

Mineral Unit: mg/dL

Intracellular magnesium; >80% of body Mg is intracellular

Also known as: RBC Magnesium,Red Cell Magnesium

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 4.2 – 6.8 mg/dL

Optimal Range 4.5 – 6.5 mg/dL

RBC Mg more accurate than serum Mg

Related Conditions

Depression Low

Anxiety Low

Insomnia Low

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Increase magnesium-rich foods: dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans Most adults get 30-40% less magnesium than recommended

🧘 Stress Chronic stress depletes magnesium; stress management (meditation, breathing) may help retention Stress hormones increase urinary magnesium excretion

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When Low

Magnesium Tier A May Increase

Direct supplementation; glycinate/citrate forms preferred

Magnesium glycinate or citrate 200–400 mg elemental Mg/day Evening, before bed

PMID 33419615 PMID 23440790 PMID 32956536

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Why is RBC magnesium considered more accurate than serum magnesium? Serum Mg reflects <1% of total body Mg; RBC reflects intracellular

Upload your blood test to see how your Magnesium (RBC) compares to reference and optimal ranges.

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