Magnesium for Kids: The Ultimate Guide for Boosting Kids❜ Health

As parents, we strive to provide our children with the best nutrition for their overall growth and development. One essential mineral that often goes overlooked but plays a crucial role in their health is magnesium for kids.

Magnesium is involved in numerous bodily functions and is especially important for children's growth, bone development, and overall wellbeing. If you're new to the world of magnesium for kids, here's your guide on what magnesium for kids is, the benefits it offers, and where to buy magnesium for kids in Australia.

Magnesium for Kids: The Ultimate Guide for Boosting Your Kids' Health

What is Magnesium for Kids?

Magnesium is a vital mineral that serves as a co-factor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Magnesium also supports cardiovascular health, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes a balanced mood.

Before selecting magnesium supplements for kids, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or pediatrician to determine the appropriate dosage based on your child's age, weight, and individual needs. If your little ones refuse to take supplements, don't stress, you can still ensure they get their daily dose of magnesium with kids' magnesium sprays, oils or bath salts. 

RELATED:
Tips to Survive the Cold & Flu Season

The Benefits of Magnesium for Kids

From supporting bone health and regulating energy production to enhancing sleep quality and promoting healthy nervous system function, magnesium offers a range of benefits for kids. 

1. Supports Bone Health

Magnesium aids in the absorption and metabolism of calcium, contributing to the development of strong and healthy bones in growing children. It helps prevent conditions such as osteoporosis later in life and supports the formation of teeth.

2. Enhances Sleep Quality

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping children to relax and promoting better sleep quality. Sufficient magnesium levels have been known to reduce restlessness and improve overall sleep patterns in kids.

3. Regulates Energy Production

Magnesium for kids plays a crucial role in converting food into energy. It supports the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing children with the energy they need for physical activities and optimal growth.

4. Supports Nervous System Function

Magnesium helps maintain healthy nerve function and supports the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. It contributes to cognitive development, learning, and concentration abilities in children.

5. Eases Constipation

Adequate magnesium intake can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation in children. It promotes smooth muscle contractions in the digestive system, facilitating regularity and maintaining healthy gut function.

The Side Effects of Magnesium for Kids

As with all supplements for kids, it's essential to be aware of the possible side effects of magnesium.

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances

One of the common side effects of excessive magnesium intake is gastrointestinal disturbances. These may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While magnesium for kids can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation when used appropriately, excessive intake can lead to loose stools and digestive discomfort.

2. Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

In some cases, high doses of magnesium supplements may cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Symptoms of low blood pressure may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and fatigue. It's important to monitor blood pressure levels when administering magnesium supplements to children, especially those with existing cardiovascular conditions.

3. Muscle Weakness and Fatigue

Excessive magnesium intake can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. While magnesium for kids is necessary for proper muscle function, an imbalance in magnesium levels may interfere with muscle contractions. This can result in weakness, reduced physical performance, and overall fatigue in children.

4. Mental and Emotional Changes

In rare cases, excessive magnesium supplementation can lead to mental and emotional changes in children. High doses of magnesium may cause drowsiness, confusion, or mood alterations. It's essential to monitor your child's behavior and mood when introducing or adjusting magnesium supplementation.

5. Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions to magnesium supplements can occur. Children who are hypersensitive or allergic to magnesium may experience symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If your child shows any signs of an allergic reaction after taking magnesium, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Where to Buy Magnesium for Kids in Australia

 

There are loads of places to shop for magnesium for kids in Australia, including the very popular magnesium gummies and magnesium oils. Here are some of our favourite brands selling magnesium for kids in Australia:

Chapter One, M Is for Magnesium gummies come in a yummy raspberry flavour and is available online from iHerb.

Swisse stock a range called Swisse Kids Rest & Restore to promote healthy sleeping habits with a chewable dose of magnesium and chamomile. 

If you'd prefer not to give your kids supplements, Raw Medicine's Calm Kids Magnesium Oil comes in a spray bottle so you can administer it topically. Raw Medicine also stock a magnesium bath soak to make bathtime much more relaxing.

More on Family Health

What are Probiotics for Kids?
Five Immune-Boosting Foods for Winter Wellness
Everything you Need to Know About Micronutrients
 

 

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!