Magnesium lactate is a delivery vehicle, not a substance with effects of its own: it dissolves well, so a useful fraction is absorbed before the remainder reaches the bowel and causes loose stools. Gains concentrate where measured magnesium is genuinely low. When it is already normal, the absorbed fraction is excreted within hours and only the digestive burden remains. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Serum magnesium | 0.85–1.00 mmol/L | Confirms overt deficiency and detects accumulation |
| Red blood cell magnesium | 5.6–6.8 mg/dL | Reflects tissue stores, which serum defends and therefore hides |
| Estimated glomerular filtration rate | ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m² | The safety gate: sets how fast surplus magnesium is cleared |
| 24-hour urinary magnesium | 100–150 mg/24 h | Distinguishes poor absorption from renal wasting when levels stay flat |
| Serum potassium | 4.0–4.5 mmol/L | Magnesium depletion causes potassium loss that will not correct until magnesium is replaced |
| Serum calcium (ionised or albumin-corrected) | 9.2–9.8 mg/dL | Low magnesium impairs parathyroid hormone release and causes calcium to fall |
| Glycated hemoglobin | 4.8–5.4% | Tracks the glycemic endpoint where prediabetes was the reason for starting |
| Office and home blood pressure | < 120/80 mmHg | Tracks the best-quantified benefit; also detects additive hypotension |
Cadence: Serum and red-cell magnesium rechecked at 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months on a stable dose. Kidney function annually, and sooner after any illness or new medication affecting it. Blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin at the same intervals only where those were the reason for starting.