Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in the growth and development of various body systems, in particular nervous and musculoskeletal health. Many kids don’t get enough through their diet alone, especially picky eaters or those under stress. Read on to explore why magnesium is so important for children and how to ensure they get enough every day.

Good nutrition supports growing bodies and minds. One of the most crucial aspects of childhood is the development of the brain and the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. From their ability to learn and focus, to their emotional regulation and coordination, the nervous system plays a pivotal role in every part of children’s growth.

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in a whopping 600 biochemical reactions. Magnesium is particularly important for the health of our tiny tot’s nervous systems. Whether physical or emotional, stress increases the need for magnesium[1]. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase the elimination of magnesium considerably. Magnesium is critical to support nervous system health in children and support their response to different stressors.

Despite its importance, 1 in 3 Australians aged 2 years and over do not meet their estimated average requirements of magnesium[2]. So, who is at risk of low magnesium?

• Meal skippers’ and children with low appetite
• ‘Picky eaters’ with mealtime fussiness
• Underlying stress
• Frequent consumption of high phosphate foods, like animal meats and soft drinks, or a grain-heavy diet high in phytates (anti-nutrients) that reduce the absorption of magnesium in the gut
• Highly active children, as increased sweating results in greater losses of electrolytes, including magnesium, often referred to as the ‘forgotten electrolyte’

Magnesium is a multipurpose mineral. As such, not only is magnesium essential for supporting nervous system health and a healthy stress response, but it also plays a role in several other key body systems, particularly in little growing bodies. So, let’s explore why tiny tots need this vital mineral. In children, magnesium also:

• Supports sugar metabolism
• Assists healthy bone development and maintains healthy teeth
• Supports energy production important for active little adventurers
• Supports muscle contraction function and helps relieve muscle cramps when dietary magnesium intake is inadequate

Children aged 4-8 years have a recommended dietary intake (RDI) of 130mg of magnesium per day. For children aged 9–13, it rises to 240 mg per day. So, where can we find it in our diet? Luckily, it’s found in a wide variety of everyday foods:

• ½ cup cooked spinach (80 mg)
• 1 medium avocado (64 mg)
• ½ cup cooked quinoa (60 mg)
• 1 large banana (37 mg)
• Small palm sized salmon piece (40 mg)

For some children, especially fussy eaters or those with increased magnesium requirements (active or stressed kids), a magnesium supplement may help support magnesium intake. Enter the Herb of Gold - Children's Magnesium Care, a delicious strawberry-vanilla flavoured chewable tablet. This supplement is carefully formulated with a blend of magnesium citrate and amino acid chelate, two organic forms of magnesium that are well absorbed in the body. It is specifically designed to support nervous system function, muscle health and general wellbeing in growing kids aged 4-12 years old.

With the right nutrition, a balanced lifestyle, and a little nutritional support, your child can thrive through every stage of growth, happy, healthy and full of energy.

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