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How CNNM2 and Magnesium Affect Your Health

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions. It supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, blood pressure regulation, and bone health. The CNNM2 gene helps control how the kidneys reabsorb magnesium back into the bloodstream. Variations in CNNM2 can subtly influence magnesium balance and, in some cases, relate to differences in blood pressure risk.

What this means for you

Your CNNM2 genotype is one piece of the puzzle that affects magnesium status and cardiovascular health. Genetics can influence how your kidneys handle magnesium, but diet, supplements, medications, alcohol use, gut health, and aging also play major roles. Regardless of genotype, focusing on magnesium-rich foods and healthy lifestyle choices helps support overall wellness.

Dietary recommendations

  • Eat a variety of magnesium-rich foods: leafy greens (spinach, chard), nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), legumes (black beans, lentils), whole grains (brown rice, quinoa), avocados, and dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).
  • Include calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods for bone health: dairy or fortified alternatives, fatty fish, and sunlight exposure for vitamin D.
  • Balance with adequate protein and potassium-rich fruits and vegetables to support blood pressure and muscle function.
  • Limit excess alcohol and highly processed foods, which can impair magnesium absorption and increase excretion.

Supplement suggestions

  • Common well-absorbed forms: magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate. Glycinate is gentle on the stomach; citrate has mild laxative effects at higher doses.
  • Typical supplemental dosing ranges from 100 to 400 mg elemental magnesium per day, depending on diet, needs, and tolerance. Work with a healthcare provider to choose dose and form.
  • Consider splitting doses across the day to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
  • If taking medications that affect magnesium (diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, certain antibiotics), discuss monitoring and supplementation with your provider.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Limit heavy alcohol use and manage chronic gastrointestinal conditions that impair absorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and stress management to support cardiovascular health and magnesium status.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about blood or urine magnesium testing if you have symptoms (muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat), use medications that affect magnesium, or have chronic conditions that increase risk.

Genetic Interpretations

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, supplements, or medications.

2 effect alleles (CC for rs11191548)

You carry two copies of the effect allele (CC). This genotype is associated with a decreased risk of hypertension compared to some other variants. The CNNM2 change linked to this genotype may influence kidney magnesium reabsorption in a way that is protective for blood pressure, although the relationship is complex and not fully understood.

What to do

  • Continue eating magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, avocados, and dark chocolate.
  • Consider magnesium supplementation only if dietary intake is insufficient or if a healthcare provider recommends it. Magnesium glycinate and citrate are commonly used forms.
  • Monitor lifestyle factors that affect magnesium: limit alcohol, manage digestive health, and review medications with your provider that may increase magnesium loss.
  • Maintain regular blood pressure checks as genetics do not eliminate risk entirely and other factors can increase blood pressure over time.
1 effect allele (CT for rs11191548)

You carry one copy of the effect allele (CT). This genotype is associated with a likely decreased risk of hypertension. The CT genotype may affect how your kidneys handle magnesium reabsorption in a manner that can be protective for blood pressure, though the biology is complex.

What to do

  • Prioritize magnesium-rich foods: spinach, Swiss chard, almonds, pumpkin seeds, black beans, quinoa, and avocado.
  • Consider supplementation only when needed and under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Magnesium glycinate is often well tolerated.
  • Address lifestyle contributors to magnesium depletion: reduce heavy alcohol use, treat chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, and discuss medications that can lower magnesium with your clinician.
  • Keep routine screening for blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors because a single genetic variant does not determine overall risk.
0 effect alleles (TT for rs11191548)

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele (TT). This genotype is associated with typical CNNM2 function and standard magnesium handling by the kidneys based on current knowledge.

What to do

  • Maintain a magnesium-rich eating pattern including leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains to support magnesium-dependent functions.
  • Use supplements only if dietary intake is inadequate or your provider recommends testing and supplementation. Magnesium citrate and glycinate are commonly recommended forms.
  • Be mindful that aging, certain medications, and gastrointestinal issues can lower magnesium levels, so monitor symptoms and discuss testing with your provider if concerned.
  • Continue regular blood pressure checks and adopt heart-healthy habits—adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet—to reduce cardiovascular risk.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If you have persistent muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or other symptoms that could be related to low magnesium.
  • If you take medications that affect magnesium levels such as certain diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, or some antibiotics.
  • If you have chronic digestive conditions, heavy alcohol use, or are over age 65, which can increase risk for magnesium deficiency.
  • Before starting a magnesium supplement, especially if you have kidney disease or take other medications.

PlexusDx provides educational genetic information only and does not offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your personal health history and to plan appropriate testing, diet, or supplement use.