Magnesium supplements become essential to administer as they are required to maintain and carry out important functions in our body. Let us have a look at how magnesium can be included in your kid’s diet and what is the role that magnesium supplements play.
We often come across the conjunctive term ‘calcium and magnesium’. They are two minerals whose identity is spelled out in one single breath. While calcium is essential for maintaining a sound bone health and strong teeth, magnesium too is responsible for the same functioning in the body. However, this partially holds true. Magnesium is responsible for bone health and strong teeth, nevertheless, there are many other functions that magnesium performs apart from the ones mentioned.
Magnesium provides energy to all the organs of our body to function efficiently and smoothly. We are into believing that calcium is all that matters the most with magnesium following suit. Well, the fact is that magnesium is required to absorb the minerals and further aids in optimum levels of calcium sustenance. When calcium in the body increases the process of aging starts prior to the ‘actual’ age. The cells and in turn the organs become rigid and may pose inefficiency while functioning.
Magnesium also prevents cardiac crisis and regulates blood pressure. Magnesium for children is helpful in fighting stress and anxiety. When magnesium levels dip, stress and annoyance in children rises. It is due to this, that children become irritable and often suffer from insomnia. Heart disease is witnessed in those who have suffered from calcium deficiency during childhood.
Magnesium is extremely important in maintaining the blood sugar levels in the body. It breaks down carbohydrates in the body to produce appropriate insulin in the body. Even in children, diabetes is one of the growing conditions and dipping levels of magnesium could be the factor that could be blamed for the same. There are probabilities that children may counter magnesium deficiency which may lead to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder abbreviated as ADHD.
Magnesium Supplements for Children
In children magnesium can be administered in the form of foods and supplements. Magnesium supplements can be administered, however a physician must always be consulted for the same. The appropriate magnesium supplement dosage should be known before administering it to the child, as an overdose of it can cause an upset stomach, with diarrhea symptoms, vomiting and even constipation. Some of the best supplements that can be administered are:
Kids Natural Calm Multi-Vitamin
It is a supplement that has an orange flavor. However, apart from this staple flavor there are variations in terms of flavor. Raspberry, banana, apple and strawberry are some of the other flavors that can be enjoyed by children. It consists of DHA and omega-3 fatty acids which helps in countering problems related to ADHD. It also looks into maintaining the calcium levels in the body and correcting the magnesium deficiency.
Kids Ultima Replenisher
This is another magnesium supplement drink that contains no artificial flavoring and is devoid of sugar content. It consists of amino acids that help in rejuvenating children, giving them a bout of extra energy. It consists of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. With these amino acids, children develop healthy bones and teeth thereby also maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are essential in maintaining optimum levels of magnesium in the body. However, the tablets should be administered only after consulting a physician. Prolonged use of these vitamins is not recommended as kids may get used to popping supplements and may become aversive to eating whole grains, green leafy vegetables and fruits like bananas and apples that are rich in calcium and magnesium.
Magnesium Requirement for Children
Age and gender are the deciding factors when administering magnesium supplements, inclusive of the daily dosage of magnesium through natural foods. Infants under 6 months do not need more than 30 milligrams of magnesium whereas kids of seven months to a year need 70 to 75 milligrams of magnesium a day. Children aged 1 year and above need 80 milligrams per day and children from 4 to 8 years of age require approximately 120 milligrams. For children aged 9 and above, the magnesium level should be maintained at 200 milligrams. From the age of 13 and above, 300 and 400 milligrams should be the daily intake of magnesium for girls and boys respectively.
Magnesium levels in kids should always be maintained to prevent health crisis in the later stages of life.