Magnesium is used by every organ in your child's body. Although this nutrient is necessary for health and growth, too much of it can be life-threatening. It is important to understand how to make sure your child gets enough magnesium, and how you can prevent him from getting too much.
Recommended Amount and Sources
From birth to 3 years of age, your child needs 40 to 80 milligrams of magnesium a day. From 4 to 6 years of age, she needs 120 milligrams a day, and from 7 to 10 years of age, she needs 170 milligrams a day. Good sources of magnesium include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, tofu, bananas and oatmeal. One ounce of cashews contains 75 milligrams of magnesium, one ounce of halibut has 30 milligrams, and 1/2 cup of bran flakes has 26 milligrams of magnesium.
Upper Level
It can be difficult for your child to get too much magnesium from food. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, consuming a lot of magnesium in your child's diet is not a health risk, but consuming too much from supplements can be. For that reason, there is no upper level established for dietary magnesium. From ages 1 to 3 years, your child should not consume more than 65 mg of magnesium from supplements. This amount increases to 110 milligrams from ages 4 to 8 years, and 350 milligrams from 9 to 18 years.
Overdose Signs
Signs that your child has had too much magnesium include nausea, vomiting and confusion. He might also experience more serious symptoms, like a slow heart rate, low blood pressure and a coma. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, too much magnesium can also interfere with your child's ability to absorb calcium.
Recommendations
Your child may need magnesium supplements if he regularly does not eat a balanced diet, or if he has diabetes that is not well-controlled. Be sure to only give him a magnesium supplement under the supervision of his doctor, and follow the dosing instructions carefully.
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