Magnesium for Children: What Does It Do?
Magnesium is often discussed in relation to sleep and muscles, but its role in the body is much broader. Children require magnesium for normal muscle function, nervous-system function, energy metabolism and bone health.
Rather than viewing magnesium simply as a bedtime nutrient, we look at whether a child’s overall diet provides a broad range of minerals.
Why Do Children Need Magnesium?
Magnesium participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions and contributes to normal muscle function, nervous-system function, energy metabolism, bone health and electrolyte balance.
Which Foods Contain Magnesium?
Useful sources include nuts, seeds, tahini, legumes, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, avocado and some fish. A varied whole-food diet provides more opportunities for children to obtain magnesium.
Why Might Fussy Eaters Eat Less Magnesium?
Many magnesium-rich foods are exactly the foods some very selective eaters refuse. If a child’s diet consists mainly of a handful of predictable foods, mineral variety may be limited.
What About Magnesium and Sleep?
Magnesium contributes to normal nervous-system and muscle function, which is one reason it is often discussed in relation to sleep.
Poor sleep has many possible causes. Before assuming magnesium is the answer, look at breathing, bedtime routine, digestion, restlessness and overall nutrition.
What About Growing Pains?
When a child complains of aching legs, nutrition is one part of the broader picture worth considering. Bone and muscle health rely on several nutrients, including protein, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D.
Look at the Whole Diet
Rather than focusing on one mineral in isolation, look across the week. Is there dietary variety? Are nuts and seeds included where appropriate? Are vegetables and other whole foods regularly offered? Is the child eating enough overall?
Related Reading
- sleep problems in children
- Growing Pains in Children: Could Nutrition Be Part of the Picture?
- Why Does My Child Grind Their Teeth at Night?
- Growth Spurts and Nutritional Needs: Why Children’s Needs Can Suddenly Change
Ready to Better Understand Your Child’s Health?
If these patterns sound familiar, our team can look at your child’s nutrition, digestion, sleep, growth and lifestyle together to understand which factors may be relevant to their individual presentation.
The Children’s Naturopath supports children and families through consultations at our St Kilda clinic in Melbourne and by phone throughout Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
