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How TRPM6 and Magnesium Work Together

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, bone strength, and blood sugar regulation. The TRPM6 gene makes a protein that helps absorb magnesium in the intestines and reabsorb it in the kidneys. Variations in TRPM6 can change how efficiently your body transports magnesium, which may influence blood magnesium levels and related health risks.

Why This Matters for Health

If genetic changes make TRPM6 less effective, magnesium absorption can be lower. Chronically low magnesium is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and, in pregnant people, a higher risk of gestational diabetes—especially when dietary magnesium intake is insufficient. Knowing your TRPM6 genotype can help you tailor diet, supplementation, and lifestyle choices to support healthy magnesium levels.

Two effect alleles (CC) — higher chance of lower magnesium

If your genotype is CC for rs2274924, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with reduced TRPM6 function compared with the common form and tends to be linked with lower magnesium levels on average.

Potential implications

  • Higher likelihood of lower circulating magnesium, especially if dietary intake is low
  • Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the presence of inadequate magnesium
  • Higher risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy with insufficient magnesium intake

Practical strategies

  • Prioritize magnesium-rich foods at every meal: leafy greens (spinach, Swiss chard), nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), legumes (black beans, lentils), whole grains (quinoa, brown rice), and fatty fish (mackerel, salmon)
  • Discuss magnesium supplementation with your healthcare provider if dietary intake is inconsistent or blood tests show low levels. A clinician can recommend a form and dose that suits your needs
  • Monitor caffeine and alcohol intake since both can increase magnesium loss in urine when consumed in excess
  • Maintain a balanced weight and regular physical activity to help metabolic health and reduce diabetes risk
One effect allele (CT) — likely modestly lower magnesium

If your genotype is CT for rs2274924, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This pattern is associated with a moderate tendency toward lower magnesium compared with the typical genotype.

Potential implications

  • Modest reduction in average magnesium levels, which becomes more relevant if dietary intake is low
  • Possible increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes when magnesium is inadequate

Practical strategies

  • Eat a magnesium-focused diet regularly, including leafy greens, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fish
  • Consider a low-dose magnesium supplement if diet alone does not meet needs; review options like magnesium glycinate or citrate with your healthcare provider
  • Support absorption by keeping vitamin D levels adequate and avoiding excessive calcium or high-dose zinc taken at the same time as magnesium
  • Reduce lifestyle factors that increase magnesium loss: limit heavy alcohol use, avoid excessive processed foods, and moderate high caffeine intake
No effect alleles (TT) — typical magnesium handling

If your genotype is TT for rs2274924, you carry two copies of the common, non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical TRPM6 function and likely normal magnesium absorption and reabsorption when dietary intake is adequate.

Potential implications

  • Standard capacity to maintain magnesium levels with a balanced diet
  • Still possible to become magnesium deficient through low intake, certain medications, or health conditions

Practical strategies

  • Keep consuming magnesium-rich foods routinely to support the many processes magnesium supports
  • Be mindful of medications or health conditions that affect magnesium (for example, prolonged diuretic use or gastrointestinal disorders)
  • Get regular checkups and consider blood testing if you have symptoms of low magnesium or conditions that increase magnesium loss

Dietary Guidance — Foods to Prioritize

  • Leafy green vegetables: spinach, Swiss chard, kale
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
  • Legumes: black beans, kidney beans, lentils
  • Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats
  • Fish: salmon, mackerel, halibut
  • Fortified foods and certain dairy alternatives can contribute in smaller amounts

Supplement Options and Considerations

If dietary intake is insufficient, supplementation can help. Common forms include magnesium citrate, glycinate, malate, and oxide. Magnesium glycinate is often better tolerated with fewer digestive side effects. Magnesium citrate can act as a mild laxative in higher doses. Your healthcare provider can suggest a suitable form and dose based on your needs, medications, and kidney function.

Lifestyle and Other Practical Tips

  • Limit excessive alcohol and high caffeine intake to reduce urinary magnesium loss
  • Maintain regular physical activity to support metabolic health and insulin sensitivity
  • Aim for a varied diet rather than relying on one food source
  • Avoid taking high-dose calcium or zinc supplements at the same time as magnesium; space them out to improve absorption
  • If pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss magnesium needs with your provider since gestational demands can change requirements

When to Check Blood Levels and Other Tests

Consider testing serum magnesium if you have symptoms suggestive of low magnesium (muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat), have risk factors such as gastrointestinal disease or diuretic use, or if you are pregnant and concerned about gestational diabetes risk. Note that serum magnesium reflects a small portion of total body magnesium. Your clinician may also look at related markers such as blood glucose, HbA1c, and kidney function to guide care.

Limitations and Next Steps

Genetic results indicate predisposition, not destiny. A TRPM6 variant associated with lower magnesium increases the chance of lower levels but does not guarantee deficiency. Diet, medications, other genes, and health conditions all influence magnesium status. Use this information as one piece of your wellness picture and consider targeted changes in diet and lifestyle or testing as appropriate.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and about genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, changing medications, or making significant diet or lifestyle changes. Your provider can help interpret genetic results alongside clinical history, symptoms, and lab tests to create a personalized plan.