Which two electrolytes commonly accompany hypomagnesemia?

Which two electrolytes commonly accompany hypomagnesemia?

• A. Calcium and Potassium
• B. Sodium and Chloride
• C. Phosphate and Calcium
• D. Magnesium and Sodium

Answer: (A)

Low magnesium disrupts two key regulatory pathways for electrolytes. Magnesium is needed for proper release and action of parathyroid hormone; when magnesium is low, PTH secretion and PTH effectiveness diminish, leading to hypocalcemia. At the same time, magnesium deficiency promotes renal potassium wasting, causing hypokalemia. Because of these mechanisms, calcium and potassium commonly accompany hypomagnesemia. Sodium or chloride levels aren’t predictably tied to magnesium status, and while phosphate can be affected through PTH changes, the most consistent accompanying abnormalities are low calcium and low potassium. Repleting magnesium often helps correct both calcium and potassium abnormalities.

Low magnesium disrupts two key regulatory pathways for electrolytes. Magnesium is needed for proper release and action of parathyroid hormone; when magnesium is low, PTH secretion and PTH effectiveness diminish, leading to hypocalcemia. At the same time, magnesium deficiency promotes renal potassium wasting, causing hypokalemia. Because of these mechanisms, calcium and potassium commonly accompany hypomagnesemia. Sodium or chloride levels aren’t predictably tied to magnesium status, and while phosphate can be affected through PTH changes, the most consistent accompanying abnormalities are low calcium and low potassium. Repleting magnesium often helps correct both calcium and potassium abnormalities.