What is the Best Magnesium Supplement for Kids
Magnesium is an essential mineral and has some pretty remarkable benefits for health.
Magnesium supplements aren’t just for adults. This mineral may create a sense of calm and relax muscles in the body which experts suggest could prove beneficial to children with behavioural disorders.
If you are wondering what is the best magnesium supplement for kids then read on.
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Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
The recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for magnesium in children varies depending on age: (source)
- Birth to 6 months 30 mg
- Ages 7 to 12 months 75 mg
- Ages 1 to 3 years 80mg
- Ages 4 to 8 years 130 mg
- Ages 9 to 13 years 240 mg
Most health professionals would propose a healthy diet rich in nutrients to ensure your child gets the adequate intake, however we can all appreciate how tricky it can be to get some children to eat a balanced diet.
Even if you made them sit and watch countless reruns of Popeye the chances are they would still prefer candy over spinach.
In these cases, supplements could help provide the required amount in a convenient form.
Magnesium Relaxes the Mind and the Body
Magnesium is an electrolyte which sends signals throughout the entire nervous system in the body. It also interacts with neurotransmitters such as the “happy” hormones serotonin and dopamine, creating a sense of calm and feeling of well being. (source)
This sense of relaxation is also transmitted to the muscles, many people who suffer with cramps or twitches often turn to magnesium to relieve their symptoms. (source)
With these important factors, it’s understandable there could be a beneficial relationship with alleviating behavioural issues with children.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition which starts in childhood but could continue throughout adult life. Symptoms include difficulty with focus, behaviour and paying attention. (source)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have ever been diagnosed with ADHD (source)
Experts have reason to suggest there is a link between ADHD and low magnesium levels.
One study examined 116 children diagnosed with the disorder and determined a shortage of magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, iron.
In fact they established that the shortage of the above elements occurs more often among hyperactive children than among those being healthy, with deficiency of magnesium being the most frequent. (source)
Consequently this research reinforces the importance of ensuring your child’s levels of magnesium are adequate.
ADHD Treatment
In fact, magnesium is so effective many experts now suggest it as an alternative therapy for alleviating symptoms.
50 hyperactive children were split into two groups and half were administered 200 mg of magnesium daily.
The results clearly indicated a reduction of hyperactivity in children who took magnesium compared to the other group who had been treated with a standard form of medication. (source)
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What is the Best Magnesium Supplement for Kids?
When you start your search for the right supplement to fit your child’s needs, you soon begin to notice the amount of choice out there.
Trying to differentiate between all the options to understand which brand offers the best quality can sometimes be quite a tall order.
Therefore I have gone through all the options available and chosen the top five magnesium supplements which I think should be suitable for most children.
Thorne Research Children's Basic Nutrients Supplement
Quality
Price
Our rating
Thorne research offers a basic nutrient supplement which includes 45 mg of magnesium suitable for children from four years of age.
All the ingredients are pure, non GMO and free from any artificial preservatives. This will prove beneficial for parents that have difficulties finding a product without any additives.
On the other hand, you may have to cut back on the pocket money as the big drawback with this one is the price. These are at the top end of the scale and quite expensive.
Pros
- 45 mg magnesium
- 69 mg calcium
- 400 IU vitamin
- Sugar free
- No artificial preservatives
- Non GMO
- No allergens
Cons
- Expensive
Centrum Kids Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement
Quality
Price
Our rating
Centrum is a well established brand in the health and nutrition world and doesn’t need any introduction. Centrum has produced a universal formula for children over the ageof two.
It has a good balance of nutrients including 40 mg magnesium. The formula aims to provide all round support for healthy growth and development of children.
This supplement is priced really well which makes it a budget friendly option. Nevertheless this does contain milk, soy and wheat which may not be suitable for all children especially those with allergies.
Pros
- 40 mg magnesium
- 108 mg calcium
- 400 IU vitamin D
- Good value
- All round nutritional support
- 3 flavors
- 80 servings
- Good price
Cons
- Contains soy, milk and wheat
Childlife Liquid Calcium/Magnesium
Quality
Price
Our rating
Childlife’s liquid supplement provides 115 mg magnesium citrate along with 252 mg calcium, 100 IU vitamin D and 2 mg zinc therefore supplying primary nutrients to support children’s healthy growth and development.
The fruity orange flavor is a hit with the kids, and it’s free from any artificial colors or sweeteners so should be a hit with the parents.
Despite the fact this comes in a liquid form which in theory should make it simple to administer, it’s slightly thick in texture therefore you might need to work on a creative way to get the kiddies to accept it.
Pros
- 115 mg magnesium citrate
- 100 IU vitamin D
- 252 mg calcium
- 2 mg zinc
- Gluten free
- No artificial colors/flavors
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Thick texture
Blue Bonnet Super Earth Rainforest Animalz
Quality
Price
Our rating
Blue Bonnet’s Super Earth Rainforest Animalz chewables aim to help bridge the nutrient gap for children.
They come in the form of animal-shaped chews with 50 mg magnesium glycinate, 200 IU vitamin D, 250 mg calcium and 30 mg blend of fruit and vegetables which should allow children a broad scope of nutrients.
The vanilla frosting flavor is a hands down winner with youngsters however the “hard as rock” texture was a dead end and waste of money for some.
Pros
- 50 mg magnesium glycinate
- 250 mg calcium
- 200 IU Vitamin D
- 30 mg fruit and veggie blend
- Gluten free
Cons
- Texture too hard
Natures Plus Animal Parade MagKidz Chewables
Quality
Price
Our rating
Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Magkids chewables are designed to support proper muscular function, including relaxation, concentration and calming.
Two cherry flavored chewables provide 100 mg of magnesium citrate which are sugar free, gluten free and vegan.
The thing I think is really great about these “fun” shaped animal chewsis the fact they are varied. This is always a huge winner amongst kids, creating anticipation and excitement waiting to see what animal they will get each day.
One slight drawback would have to be the taste, for some children just couldn’t stomach the chalkiness and refused to eat them.
Pros
- 100 mg magnesium citrate
- Gluten free
- Sugar free
- Vegan
- Yeast free
- Non GMO
- Cherry flavor
- 45 Servings
Cons
- Chalky taste
Our Choice
My top choice for the best magnesium supplement for kids would have to go to Natures Plus Animal Parade MagKidz Chewables as it’s simply in a class of its own.
This product has a good serving of 100 mg magnesium citrate which is based over two chewables making it adaptable for younger tots too.
I really love the novel idea of animal shaped chewables which for me takes the dullness out of nutrition for kids and turns it into fun.
For this reason any parent looking to try a magnesium supplement I think this could be a suitable choice.
