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. 2020 Jul 11;25(14):3172. doi: 10.3390/molecules25143172

Table 2.

Common methods used for the determination of magnesium status with pros and cons.

Analysis Method Advantages Difficulties
Serum Rapid and easy Does not reflect total body magnesium
Urine Excretion Valuable for tracking kidney wasting (high [Mg2+]) or intake issues (low [Mg2+]) Time consuming
Isotopic Analysis Confirmed role of small intestine in absorption Confined to laboratory research