Magnesium is a nutrient necessary for your toddler's growth and development, and it helps his body uses other vitamins and minerals. It is important to understand how much magnesium he needs each day, as well as the best food sources of magnesium and what to do if you think he is not getting enough in his diet.
Benefits
Your toddler's body uses magnesium in every organ for proper function. Magnesium also contributes to the strength of her bones and teeth and is necessary for energy production. The levels of other nutrients that your toddler needs, like calcium and zinc, are regulated by magnesium.
Recommended Amount and Deficiency
According to the Baby Center website, toddlers need 80 mg of magnesium each day. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that most people in the United States probably don't get enough magnesium from food, but a serious deficiency is less likely. Signs that your toddler is deficient in magnesium include anxiety, sleep disorders, nausea, irritability, confusion, low blood pressure and seizures.
Sources
Sources of magnesium include whole grains, like bran, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale. Tofu is also a good source of magnesium, as are nuts such as almonds and walnuts. One ounce of dry roasted peanuts contains 50 mg of magnesium, and 1/4 cup spinach has 37 mg. Your toddler can also get 25 mg of magnesium from just 1/4 cup of raisins.
Supplements
If you think your toddler does not get enough magnesium from her diet, talk to her doctor about the use of magnesium supplements. Be sure to follow her doctor's recommended dosage, because magnesium supplements can be toxic in large doses. Although there is no established upper level for magnesium your toddler obtains through food, she should not get more than 65 mg of magnesium a day from supplements.
