[Diagnostics of magnesium deficiency and measurements of magnesium concentrations in biosubstrates in norm and in various pathologies].

In accordance with the evidence from large-scale studies magnesium deficiency has a significant negative impact on the cardiovascular system, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Diagnosis of magnesium deficiency should be based on clinical symptoms of magnesium deficit and confirmed by additional diagnostic methods--ECG myography, bone densitometry, and quantitative determination of magnesium in various biosubstrates (whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, serum, saliva, urine, nails, hair). It is also desirable to estimate dietary intake of magnesium according to food frequency questionnaires verified by measurements of magnesium in blood. Analysis of magnesium content in blood and other biosubstrates allows to establish those perturbations of compartmentalization of magnesium in tissues that are typical for a particular pathology. It is important to emphasize that one should not confuse values of magnesium levels measured in serum and in plasma as it leads to serious errors in the diagnosis of magnesium deficiency and results in underdiagnosis of magnesium deficiency (code E61.2 of ICD-10).