Does your child often feel tired or lethargic? Does he complain about muscle cramps, pain or sleeplessness? If yes, then he may not be having the required amount of magnesium in his body.
Magnesium is one of the most abundant micro-minerals in the human body. Magnesium for kids is essential as it supports the functions of hundreds of enzymes, promoting healthy bone development. Without this mineral, your child may not thrive as well as he should during the growing years. In this article, MomJunction tells you everything you need to know about magnesium and how important it is for kids.
Why Is Magnesium Important For Kids?
Magnesium is a mineral that supports several functions in the body, including nerve function. It:
- helps transmit nerve signals.
- controls blood sugar levels.
- supports protein synthesis.
- regulates blood pressure .
- produces the energy that the body needs.
- strengthens bones – a study by the Pediatric Academic Societies has revealed that magnesium is just as important as calcium for bone health. (1)
- plays a vital role in carrying calcium and potassium to the membranes in the body – this is important to control muscle contractions, maintain a healthy heart rhythm and nerve impulse conduction.
- Studies are also indicating that low levels of magnesium can result in ADHD and ADD.
Several children lack sufficient amounts of this vital mineral. What is worrying is that most parents do not even realize that their kids have magnesium deficiency until it is too late.
[ Read: Fiber Rich Foods For Kids ]
Recommended Magnesium Dosage For Children:
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium as defined by the US Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) is:
- Kids aged one to three years – 80mg
- Kids aged four to eight years – 130mg
- Kids aged nine to 13 years – 240mg
- Teens aged 14 to 18 years – 360mg for girls, 410mg for boys
Magnesium is abundantly present in our bones and soft tissues. It is there in our blood serum but in meager quantities. Intake of magnesium rich foods is essential to regulate the amount of the mineral present in our body. It should be enough to support bone development and also carry out other functions normally.
Ideally, kids should get at least 97% to 98% of the recommended dietary allowance to get adequate nutrition every day.
Best Magnesium Rich Foods For Kids
An average American kid’s meal does not provide the required amount of magnesium to his body. If your child mostly consumes fruit drinks, soda, fried foods like chips, dairy desserts, pizza, grain desserts and dairy products, he is not getting the needed nourishment. And he is certainly not getting the required amount of magnesium.
The good news is that your children can get the RDI of magnesium by making just a few changes to their diet. Keep reading to learn about the best magnesium rich foods, along with their daily value (DV) of the mineral that you can give to your kids.
- Almonds are rich in magnesium. One ounce of dry-roasted almonds can give 20% DV of magnesium. Your child can also consume almond butter and almond milk.
- One banana for breakfast can give your child 15% DV of magnesium.
- One potato contains 21% DV of magnesium. Healthy potato foods include mashed or baked potatoes.
- One ounce of peanuts has 12% DV. Peanuts are healthy when boiled or roasted. Peanut butter is one of the best options for kids, provided they are not allergic to it.
- Half-a-cup of boiled spinach provides 20% DV of magnesium.
- Eight ounces of skimmed yogurt gives 11% DV while one cup of milk gives you around 7% DV of magnesium.
- One cup of soy milk gives you 15% DV. You could also include soy beans or tofu in your meals if you do not like soy milk.
- All-bran cereals are also rich in magnesium. You can look for fortified cereals for a daily dose of magnesium, or you could choose shredded wheat cereals. Two wheat biscuits provide 15% DV.
- Legumes like black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, soybeans, peanuts, and lentils are also a good source of magnesium. Half a cup of cooked black beans provides 15% DV, while half a cup of canned kidney beans gives you 9%.
- One cup of boiled edamame beans or fresh green soybeans gives you 16% DV of magnesium.
- Avocado is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. One cup of cubed avocados offers 11% DV.
- Long grain brown rice, unlike polished white rice, contains essential minerals including magnesium. One cup of cooked brown rice gives you 11% DV.
- Dry roasted cashews are tasty and healthy too. They are rich in good fats. One ounce of dry roasted cashews gives you 19% DV of magnesium. Avoid oil-fried cashews, which are high in calories.
- Just two slices of whole wheat bread can give you 12% DV. So one banana and two slices of whole wheat bread at breakfast will give your kid more than 20% DV.
- Kids love raisins. Half a cup of raisins gives 23mg or 6% DV of magnesium.
- One pack of instant oatmeal gives 9% DV of the mineral.
- 100g of salmon supplies 6% DV.
- Three ounces of ground chicken breast gives you 6% DV, while the same amount of ground beef gives you 5%.
- Half a cup of broccoli gives you 3% DV. Half a cup of cooked white rice provides you with the same amount of magnesium to your body.
- Apple and carrots also contain a little magnesium, although not enough to give you the needed DV. One apple or carrot gives you 2% DV.
Healthy foods contain all the ingredients necessary for our body. However, considering the eating habits of today’s children, magnesium supplements might be required to meet the daily recommended intake.
[ Read: Health Benefits Of Dry Fruits For Kids ]
Best Magnesium Supplements for Kids
Magnesium supplements are usually available in two forms: magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide. While magnesium oxide is typically in the form of a pill, magnesium hydroxide comes in liquid form or as chewable tablets. The doctor may also prescribe magnesium citrate for kids if they suffer from chronic constipation.
Are Magnesium Supplements Safe for Kids?
Magnesium supplements can have side effects, which is why you should consult a physician before you decide to give them to your kids. Make sure that the supplements are taken as prescribed by the doctor or the pharmacist.
Here is a list of kid-friendly magnesium supplements you can consider.
1. Child Life Liquid Calcium/Magnesium, Natural Orange Flavor
Child Life Liquid Calcium and Magnesium is a liquid supplement for kids, available in a natural orange flavor. The supplement boosts healthy bone development as well as growth. The syrup also brings you the goodness of calcium, zinc and vitamin D.
Supplement facts:
Per serving (one tablespoon) contains:
- Calories: 15Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 0
- Sugars: 2g
- Magnesium: 115mg
Ingredients:
Filtered water, fructose, citric acid, Xanthan gum, potassium sorbate and natural orange flavor.
Why choose it?
Child Life Liquid Calcium and Magnesium liquid has no gluten, wheat, milk, eggs or yeast that children can be allergic to. It also does not have any artificial colors or sweeteners.
You can buy the supplement here.
[ Read: Benefits Of Carbohydrates For Kids ]
2. Pioneer Cal Mag & D Vegetarian Chewable Tablets for Children
Sometimes, gluten can prevent proper absorption of minerals by the body. The Pioneer chewable magnesium supplement for kids is gluten-free that helps in strengthening the bones and teeth. The tablets come in tasty chocolate milk flavor and are easy to swallow too.
Supplement facts:
Per serving (two chewable tablets) contains:
- Calories: 5Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 0
- Sugars: 0g
- Sugar alcohol: 2.5g
Magnesium (2:1 oxide: citrate) – 85mg
Ingredients:
Organic cocoa, trace mineral complex, maltitol, xylitol, maltodextrin, guar gum, cellulose, chocolate flavor, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, and organic stevia leaf extract.
Why choose it?
The supplement is free of gluten and eggs and has been tested in laboratories. It is specially formulated for kids.
You can buy the supplement here.
3. Natural Vitality Natural Calm Magnesium Anti-Stress Drink
Pre-teens and teenagers are under stress as they try to balance fun and learning. Active kids need to build up their energy fast, with adequate amounts of magnesium in the body. The Natural Vitality Magnesium drink restores the magnesium levels in blood serum and enables the mineral to produce energy in the body.
Supplement facts:
Per serving (two teaspoons) contains:
- Magnesium: 81% DV
Ingredients:
Ionic magnesium citrate, organic fruit flavors, and organic stevia.
Why choose it?
The magnesium drink is free of egg, gluten, soy, sugar, and yeast. It is a cruelty-free (vegan) supplement for kids and adults.
You can buy the supplement here.
4. LifeTime Kid’s Liquid Calcium Magnesium Zinc Natural Cherry Flavor
A multi-mineral supplement, the liquid magnesium supplement for kids from LifeTime, improves the mineral content in the body. The liquid also contains calcium and zinc that are essential for kids. This kids’ magnesium supplement is easy to use and ideal for little children who have trouble swallowing tablets.
Supplement facts:
Per serving (two teaspoons) contains:
- Calories: 10Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Magnesium (Citrate): 100% DV, or 200mg
Also this magnesium supplement contains vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous and zinc (oxide).
Ingredients:
Purified water, citric acid, fructose, xanthan gum, carrageenan and natural cherry flavor.
Why choose it?
The liquid supplement is easy to absorb and is ideal for kids aged between one and ten. The syrup is available in two tasty flavors, cherry and bubblegum.
You can buy the supplement here.
[ Read: Calcium Rich Foods For Kids ]
5. Squared Nutrition Elemental Magnesium Supplement
Elemental mineral supplements, the magnesium capsules from aSquared contain 500mg of magnesium, which is more than 100% of DV. The capsules contain concentrated magnesium and are easily absorbed by the body. The tablets provide for better sleep in children and strengthen the bones and ease joint pains in adults.
Supplement facts:
Per serving (one vegetable capsule) contains:
- Magnesium: 500mg
Ingredients:
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose.
Why choose it?
The highly concentrated magnesium capsules are ideal for beating magnesium deficiency toddlers. However, it is best to consult your doctor before giving your kids these supplements.
You can buy the capsules here.
How To Choose The Right Magnesium Supplements For Kids
Magnesium supplements are available on prescription as well as over the counter. The doctor may recommend prescription medicines when the child has a severe magnesium deficiency. Over- the-counter medications are usually multi-vitamin and mineral blends that the needed magnesium dosage for child. Having the right dose is important as taking more than the limit is not advisable.
In fact, excess magnesium for children can lead to nausea, irregular heartbeat, respiratory distress, and lethargy. Sometimes, it may even result in cardiac arrest. So, here is what you should keep in mind before choosing a magnesium supplement for your child.
The best form of magnesium: Magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium glycinate, magnesium taurate and magnesium malate are among the most recommended forms of supplements.
Avoid choosing supplements which have magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate and magnesium aspartate and glutamate. Magnesium oxide is hard to absorb and can even cause diarrhea, while it is easier to overdose on magnesium sulfate. The best forms of magnesium are magnesium citrate and magnesium oil for kids, which are used topically.
Medical conditions and allergies: Talk to your doctor about any allergies that your child has. Also, discuss any other medical conditions so that they can recommend the right supplement. Magnesium may not cause any allergies, but other ingredients in the supplement can. So, check the labels thoroughly before you pick a supplement.
RDA: Be sure to check the RDA and how much magnesium the supplement provides per serving. Avoid supplements that provide more than 100% DV.
Ease of use: Pick a supplement that is easy for your kids to take. If your kids aren’t comfortable swallowing pills, look for syrups. Sometimes, children can have an aversion for tonics as well. In that case, go for powders that you can mix with food.
Absorption level: Mineral and vitamin supplements are good only if they are easy to absorb. Check the form in which magnesium is present in a particular supplement as that determines whether or not the body can ingest it.
Remember that the best sources of vitamins and minerals are always the natural ones – fruits and vegetables. You should consider supplements only if your kid is not getting the right amounts of minerals from his diet. Supplements should not be used as a replacement for natural sources of magnesium.
[ Read: Importance Of Fruits And Vegetables For Kids ]
Magnesium Deficiency:
Magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesia is a condition that can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, hypertension, nerve problems like epilepsy, depression, liver and kidney diseases, bowel problems, heart disease, type II diabetes and osteoporosis.
Fatigue is a common problem with children having a magnesium deficiency. Insomnia is also an issue that growing children with the deficiency will have to deal with. Lack of magnesium prevents the child’s body from growing to its fullest potential. The sooner you deal with magnesium deficiency in your kid, the better it is for their overall development.
Detecting Magnesium Deficiency In Kids
So, how would you know if your child is low in magnesium? Neglecting the early symptoms could lead to a more serious problem. Therefore, check if he has such signs. Symptoms that indicate magnesium deficiency can be physical, neurological, cardiovascular or muscular, such as.
- Physical and mental fatigue may make your child too tired to do any tasks. Low energy levels and weakness are the signs you should watch out for.
- Persistent muscle twitches under the eyes are common.
- Frequent headaches could lead to a migraine problem in the long run.
- Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety and confusion.
- Your child may have a tough time trying to fall asleep.
- Indigestion could lead to chronic constipation.
- Muscle tensions such as cramps and aches.
- Abnormal heart rate could result in palpitations in the long-term.
- Weakening of bones and tooth decay.
- Blurred vision at times.
A blood test is not enough to detect the deficiency, as the blood has less than 1% of magnesium. In addition to the blood serum test, your doctor may recommend ionized magnesium test, RBC magnesium test or the EXA test, which is done by taking a cheek swab and testing it for magnesium content.
Magnesium Facts For Kids:
Did you know that your magnesium is born in the stars? Here are a few more fun facts about magnesium.
- Magnesium usually forms in large stars when helium reacts with neon.
- It is the ninth most abundant metal in the universe and the eighth most abundant mineral on the planet.
- The average adult human body has around 24g of magnesium.
- In terms of mass, magnesium is the eleventh abundant element in the body.
- 99% of magnesium in the body is found in the skeletal and muscle cells. Only 1% is found in the blood.
- Magnesium is present in the center of the chlorophyll molecule and plays a major role in photosynthesis in plants.
- Around 80% of the magnesium used in the world is supplied by China.
- After aluminum and iron, magnesium is the most used metal in the world.
- Magnesium fire thrives when it reacts with carbon dioxide and hydroxide. Pouring water or spraying carbon gas will only add to the fire.
[ Read: Iron Rich Foods For Kids ]
Better magnesium levels mean stronger and healthier children. Sufficient magnesium in the body will keep your children energetic enough to juggle school, home, and play.
Tell us what you do to regulate healthy levels of magnesium in your child. Use our comments section to share your story.
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Original article and pictures take www.momjunction.com site
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