Diuretic Magnesium, Potassium & Calcium Deficiency Test

Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Diuretic Patients

Diuretics may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of 3 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by diuretics. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 10-12 hours is required. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test. Avoiding supplements containing the nutrients being tested for 24 hours prior to collection is preferred.

Test type: In Person

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$85.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

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About the Test

The Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Diuretic Patients measures the levels of the following 3 nutrients in your blood: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies are important steps toward better health. Your body does not produce most vitamins and minerals, so you must get them from food or supplements. How nutrients work in your body is influenced by more than just what you eat. These factors include genetics, age, health conditions, medications, metabolism, and how well your body absorbs nutrients.

Diuretics may make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs. Having these nutrients tested helps you and your doctor decide if you need to supplement with additional vitamins or minerals.

This test may be right for you if you are on a physician-prescribed diuretic and are concerned about not getting certain nutrients or are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency.

This test panel gives you and your healthcare provider information about whether you are deficient in calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

This test panel measures the level of 3 nutrients in your blood: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

The Calcium Test measures the total calcium levels in your blood. Calcium is a major mineral the body uses and stores in large amounts. Many people know the importance of calcium for strong bones, but it also helps keep muscles, nerves, and blood vessels working properly. Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, muscular movement, heart function, and bone strength as we age. If we don't consume enough of it, our bodies will take it from where we need it the most: our bones. This leads to bone loss and, eventually, osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to gradually thin and weaken). Abnormal calcium levels in the blood may be a sign of bone disease, kidney disorders, thyroid disease, or other conditions.

The Magnesium Test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral needed in our bodies in large amounts. Magnesium plays an important role in keeping your heart and muscles functioning normally, regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, and helping your body absorb calcium. Magnesium also helps keep bones strong and regulates the immune system. Every cell in your body needs magnesium to function properly. Too little magnesium may cause muscle spasms or cramps, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, numbness, uncontrolled eye movements, or convulsions. A lack of magnesium for an extended period has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

The Potassium Test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that is also one of the body's most important minerals. It helps to regulate water balance, blood pressure, and heart rate. Potassium is also necessary for muscle contraction and nerve function. The relationship between potassium and sodium is essential for proper body function, as their levels need to be balanced for the body to carry out normal functions. Too little potassium may cause muscle cramping, muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, constipation, numbness or tingling, or excessive thirst.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 8 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

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FAQs

Will everyone who takes diuretics be nutrient deficient?

No. Absorption rates of nutrients vary from person to person. It's important to get tested so you know which nutrients you're not getting enough of. Then, you can talk with your doctor about what supplements, if any, to take.

Would taking supplements be helpful if I’m on diuretics?

If your body is not absorbing certain nutrients properly, your doctor may suggest you consider taking a supplement for that nutrient. While it is unlikely to get too much of a nutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your doctor prior to taking supplements.

What’s the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in how they are absorbed by the human body.

A water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and is easily absorbed by the body. Your body does not store these vitamins for long, so any extra will be eliminated in your urine. Because of this, it's important to consume them every day.

A fat-soluble vitamin dissolves in fats and oils and is absorbed with the fats you eat. Your body stores any extra in your liver or fatty tissues. Because of this, you don't need to consume them every day.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Lim LS, Fink HA, Kuskowski MA, et al. Loop diuretic use and increased rates of hip bone loss in older men: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(7):735-740. doi:10.1001/archinte.168.7.735
Lim LS, Fink HA, Kuskowski MA, Cauley JA, Ensrud KE. Diuretic use and bone mineral density in older USA men: the osteoporotic fractures in men (MrOS) study. Age Ageing. 2005;34(5):504-507. doi:10.1093/ageing/afi133
Lim LS, Fink HA, Blackwell T, Taylor BC, Ensrud KE. Loop diuretic use and rates of hip bone loss and risk of falls and fractures in older women. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57(5):855-862. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02195.x
Makam AN, Boscardin WJ, Miao Y, Steinman MA. Risk of thiazide-induced metabolic adverse events in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014;62(6):1039-1045. doi:10.1111/jgs.12839
Sica D.A., Carter B., Cushman W., Hamm L. Thiazide and loop diuretics. J. Clin. Hypertens. 2011;13:639–643. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2011.00512.x.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Diuretic Patients