Magnesium | TRPM7 (rs8042919)

TRPM7 and Magnesium: What Your Genes May Mean for Magnesium Balance

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body. It supports muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, immune health, bone strength, blood sugar control, and energy production. The TRPM7 gene encodes a protein that helps transport magnesium into cells and regulate cellular magnesium balance. Variations in TRPM7 can change how sensitive you are to low magnesium status and how effectively your body uses magnesium.

This article explains the role of TRPM7, what your rs8042919 genotype may mean for magnesium balance and health, and practical nutrition, supplement, lifestyle, and testing recommendations you can discuss with your healthcare provider. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand genetic predispositions only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to diet, supplements, or treatment.

Why magnesium matters

Energy production and mitochondrial function
Muscle contraction and nerve transmission
Blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular support
Bone structure and mineralization
Blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity
Support for hundreds of enzyme systems

How TRPM7 affects magnesium

TRPM7 helps move magnesium into cells and maintain intracellular magnesium balance. Genetic variants in TRPM7 can increase sensitivity to low magnesium. That means some people may experience symptoms or metabolic effects at magnesium levels that others tolerate without issue. One specific variant, rs8042919, has been linked to altered magnesium handling and a heightened risk of gestational diabetes when magnesium intake is low.

Genetic interpretations for rs8042919

Two effect alleles (AA genotype)

If you have the AA genotype at rs8042919, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with increased sensitivity to low magnesium levels. You may be more likely to experience functional magnesium insufficiency even when intake is only marginally low. The AA genotype has also been linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes, particularly when magnesium intake is inadequate. Because TRPM7 influences cellular magnesium transport, maintaining steady magnesium intake is especially important to support muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and energy production.

Practical considerations for AA genotype:

Prioritize magnesium-rich foods every day.
Consider a highly absorbable supplement if dietary intake is not sufficient, after discussing with your provider.
If pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss magnesium needs with your obstetric provider because of the potential increased risk of gestational diabetes.
Monitor symptoms that can reflect low magnesium such as muscle cramps, fatigue, sleep disturbance, or palpitations and share these with your clinician.

One effect allele (AG genotype)

If you have the AG genotype at rs8042919, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with increased sensitivity to low magnesium, though typically less pronounced than two effect alleles. You may be more likely than someone without the effect allele to show signs of low magnesium when intake is marginal. The AG genotype has also been linked to a greater risk of gestational diabetes when magnesium intake is low.

Practical considerations for AG genotype:

Include magnesium-rich foods regularly to reduce the chance of marginal deficiency.
Talk with your healthcare provider about whether targeted supplementation is appropriate for you.
If pregnant or planning pregnancy, ensure your provider is aware of your genotype so magnesium needs can be evaluated in the context of gestational diabetes risk.
Consider periodic assessment of magnesium status if you have symptoms or risk factors for low magnesium.

No effect alleles (GG genotype)

If you have the GG genotype at rs8042919, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This pattern is associated with typical magnesium handling via TRPM7. Your cellular magnesium transport is unlikely to be impacted by this particular genetic variant. That said, magnesium remains essential for many aspects of health, and maintaining adequate intake through food and lifestyle is still important.

Practical considerations for GG genotype:

Follow general recommendations for magnesium-rich eating to support overall health.
Supplementation is usually not required based on genotype alone, but may be appropriate if dietary intake is low or if you have conditions or medications that increase magnesium needs or losses.
Remain attentive to symptoms of low magnesium and consult your clinician if concerns arise.

Diet recommendations

Food-first strategies provide magnesium along with fiber, potassium, and other beneficial nutrients. Aim to include a variety of magnesium-rich foods daily:

Leafy greens: spinach, Swiss chard, kale
Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
Legumes: black beans, lentils, chickpeas
Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats
Fruit and vegetables: avocados, bananas
Dark chocolate (choose high cocoa content with moderate portions)

Supplement recommendations and considerations

If diet alone does not meet needs, supplements can help. Discuss options with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Common forms and considerations include:

Magnesium glycinate: well absorbed and often gentle on the stomach. Good for sleep and muscle relaxation support.
Magnesium citrate: well absorbed and can have a mild laxative effect at higher doses.
Magnesium oxide: contains more elemental magnesium by weight but is less well absorbed and may cause gastrointestinal effects for some people.
Dosage: individualized. Your provider can recommend a dose based on diet, symptoms, medical conditions, pregnancy status, and lab results.

Lifestyle strategies

Limit chronic high sugar and highly processed food intake. These patterns can increase magnesium loss and increase metabolic stress.
Moderate alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol increases urinary magnesium losses.
Manage stress. Chronic stress may shift mineral balance and increase magnesium requirements.
Stay active. Regular physical activity supports insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. Consider electrolyte balance for high-intensity or long-duration exercise.
Coordinate care during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, review magnesium intake with your provider given the genotype associations with gestational diabetes risk.

When to consider testing

Magnesium testing can be complex because serum magnesium represents only a small fraction of total body magnesium. Discuss these options with your provider:

Serum magnesium: commonly available, but may not detect mild or intracellular deficiency.
Red blood cell magnesium or ionized magnesium: sometimes used to assess intracellular stores more directly.
Clinical monitoring: symptom review, dietary assessment, and monitoring of conditions influenced by magnesium such as blood pressure or glucose control.

Key takeaways

TRPM7 helps control magnesium transport into cells. Variants in TRPM7 can increase sensitivity to low magnesium.
If you carry one or two effect alleles at rs8042919 you may be more likely to experience functional magnesium insufficiency, and there is an associated increased risk of gestational diabetes when magnesium intake is low.
A food-first approach emphasizing leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate will support magnesium intake for most people.
Discuss supplementation, testing, and individualized dosing with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, have symptoms, or have medical conditions that affect magnesium balance.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medical care.