5 Reasons Your Child Might Need Magnesium

Last updated on March 26th, 2025 at 08:35 am

As any parent knows, raising a happy and healthy child is no easy task. There are many things to consider, from diet and exercise to emotional well-being. One essential but often overlooked nutrient is magnesium. In this post, I want to share with you the top 5 reasons your child might need magnesium. 

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important in maintaining overall health and well-being.

A lightweight mineral found naturally in abundant quantities in the environment, it is a key component of many enzymes and certain hormones, allowing for necessary biochemical reactions.

It is highly involved in processes that regulate cellular energy utilization and storage.

Magnesium also helps improve muscle and nerve function and enhances bone structure.

What’s more important to understand is that low levels of magnesium can lead to a variety of health issues, including nervousness, weakness, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, hyperactivity, and irritability.

Supplementing with magnesium is believed to help support the entire body in addition to promoting healthy cardiovascular function and healthy blood sugar levels, preventing depression, anxiety, dizziness, and muscle weakness, and also helping the body to maintain proper pH balance.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to help support joint health and posture.

With so many benefits, it’s hard to ignore the importance of adding quality magnesium supplements to your child’s diet.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. If you click the link and buy something, I’ll get a commission at no additional cost to you! However, all my recommendations are things that I use because I know they’re clean and good quality products – not just anything with an “affiliate” label on it

Magnesium Benefits for Kids

Studies continue to prove magnesium’s benefits for kids and its effects on autism, ADHD, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for child development, benefiting growing minds and bodies in numerous ways.  It has been shown to help regulate muscle and nerve function and boost immune system health.  Additionally, magnesium has been found to aid with better sleep over time, resulting in higher levels of productivity during the day.

Studies are finding a link between low Magnesium levels and high blood pressure in kids.  Finding that low levels of magnesium are significantly associated with hypertension in healthy children.

Studies are also finding a connection between low magnesium levels in children on the autism spectrum, suggesting that magnesium supplementation might be beneficial.

There have also been studies finding a correlation between low magnesium levels in children with ADHD more often than in healthy children.

Furthermore, all of the information that is being presented, and an increasing rate of autism and ADHD, provides evidence that increasing your child’s magnesium status might just be what your child’s body needs.

Magnesium Rich Foods

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found naturally in foods; however, many foods that kids currently consume lack magnesium due to the way it is being produced.  This leads to deficiencies and the need to supplement with this essential mineral.

Magnesium can be found in dairy products, meat, fish, seafood, green leafy vegetables, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, black-eyed peas, brown rice, kelp, lemons, lima beans, nuts, and seeds.

Some herbs also contain magnesium, such as alfalfa, bladderwrack, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, dandelion, fennel seed, fenugreek, parsley, yarrow, and peppermint.

Getting the optimal amount of magnesium from just food and herbs is oftentimes difficult for adults to accomplish. For kids, it is at times nearly impossible to obtain optimal levels.

If you are not finding success feeding your child magnesium-rich foods, then it might be time to consider a high-quality magnesium supplement.

How Much Magnesium Does a Child Need Daily Based on Age?

The amount of magnesium necessary for children differs as they grow. Understanding these needs ensures they get the right nutrition for healthy development.

• Children aged 4 to 8 years: Typically, kids in this age group require about 130 mg of magnesium each day. This helps support their growing bodies and energetic lifestyles.
• Children aged 9 to 13 years: As they approach adolescence, the recommended magnesium intake increases to roughly 240 mg daily. This is pivotal for supporting their rapid growth and development.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor nutritional needs uniquely to your child. They can provide guidance based on individual health requirements and dietary habits.

5 Reasons Your Child Might Need Magnesium:

#1 Anxiety

Children are under a lot of pressure these days, whether it’s from school, extracurricular activities, or social media.
Magnesium can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.

#2 Irritability

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to irritability and mood swings.  If your child is prone to tantrums or meltdowns, increasing their magnesium intake may help to improve their mood.

#3 Hyperactivity

If your child is always on the go and has difficulty concentrating, they may be deficient in magnesium.  This essential mineral helps to calm the nervous system and promote focus.

#4 Insomnia

A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and development. If your child struggles with sleep, magnesium may be able to help.  This nutrient relaxes the body and mind, promoting restful sleep.

#5 Difficult Concentrating

Best Magnesium Supplements for Kids