How Much Magnesium For Children?

Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the human body and is vital for good health.. As your child grows, so does the need for magnesium. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends 80 mg of magnesium for children ages 1 to 3 and 130 mg for ages 4 to 6. For children ages 9 to 13, the recommended dietary allowance is 240 mg per day. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include, confusion, irritability, poor memory, hallucinations, numbness and continuous muscle contraction.

Function

Magnesium plays a vital role in the formation of bones and teeth. This mineral boosts the immune system and regulates the heartbeat. Magnesium is also involved in transmitting nerve signals and muscle contraction. Magnesium helps with the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, releasing energy. It also helps form proteins and DNA, the genetic material in your body cells.

Deficiency

Although most people in the United States do not get enough magnesium from their diets, a deficiency is still rare. However, some medical conditions can cause magnesium deficiency such as asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to the University of Maryland Medial Center, in one study of 75 children with ADHD, those given magnesium supplements showed positive changes in behavior compared to those who were not given the supplements.

Supplements

Check with your health care provider to see if your child requires magnesium supplements. Taking too much magnesium can cause nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness. The Office of Dietary Supplements has established upper intake levels for magnesium supplements. The UL is 65 mg for children ages 1 to 3, 110 mg for ages 4 to 8 and 350 mg for ages 9 to 18.

Food Sources

If your child has magnesium deficiency, include magnesium-rich foods in his daily diet. Magnesium naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables, such as banana, avocado, papaya, sweet potatoes, beet greens and spinach. Almonds, cashews, peanuts, soybeans and red kidney beans also provide magnesium. This mineral is also added to bread and many breakfast cereals. Check the package label for further details.