Description
Calcium + Magnesium Profile
What does this test measure?
This test measures how much calcium and magnesium are being excreted in the
urine, often over a 24-hour collection. It helps determine if a person is
losing an excessive amount of these minerals (which could indicate issues like
hypercalciuria – high calcium loss that might lead to kidney stones or bone
loss – or magnesium loss which can affect muscle and nerve function).
Conversely, low excretion might suggest deficiency (if dietary intake is low,
urinary excretion often drops as the body retains more).
Who is this test most suitable for?
- High-salt or high-protein diet (can increase calcium excretion)
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake (can affect Ca/Mg balance)
- Individuals on diuretics (which can cause mineral loss)
Clinical Use
Clinically, this is used in the evaluation of osteoporosis risk (high urinary
calcium can mean calcium is leaching from bones), kidney stone risk
assessment, parathyroid disorders (which affect calcium levels), or
malabsorption. Magnesium is critical for heart rhythm and muscle function, so
abnormal urinary Mg could signal problems like renal magnesium wasting or poor
absorption. This test is a part of nutritional and renal evaluations.
