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Age is an additional consideration. As people get older, magnesium absorption may become less efficient, while dietary intake often decreases. At the same time, medication use and chronic health conditions become more common, further increasing the risk of low magnesium levels.
Testing magnesium status is not always straightforward. Standard blood tests measure magnesium levels in the bloodstream, but only a small portion of the body’s magnesium is stored there. Most magnesium is found in bones, muscles, and soft tissues. Because of this, blood levels may appear normal even when overall magnesium stores are low. For this reason, healthcare professionals often consider symptoms, medical history, diet, and medication use alongside lab results when evaluating magnesium status.
Supporting healthy magnesium levels often starts with nutrition. Magnesium-rich foods are widely available and fit easily into a balanced diet. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard are excellent sources. Nuts and seeds, including almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, provide substantial amounts. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa contribute magnesium, as do legumes such as black beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Certain fruits, including bananas and avocados, also contain modest but meaningful amounts.
Reducing reliance on heavily processed foods can make a noticeable difference. Processed foods often replace magnesium-rich ingredients with refined starches and sugars that contribute little nutritional value. Limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol intake may also help preserve magnesium levels by reducing unnecessary losses.
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