Magnesium's Benefits and Usage for Children

Magnesium contributes to brain and nerve functions involved in concentration and mental resilience, and it supports learning ability. Additionally, magnesium helps release energy from food, thereby supporting energy levels.

Several clinical studies have been conducted on administering extra magnesium to children. Below is a list of literature you can consult for more background information:

• "Anders denken over Magnesium," Marianne Mousain-Bosc, 2011
• Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 23, No. 5, 545S-548S (2004)
• Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2006 Jan-Feb; 69(1):74-7.
• Mousain-Bosc M, Roche M, Polge A, et al. Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Magnes Res. 2006 Mar;19(1):46-52.

Which Types of Magnesium Are Suitable for Children?

There are various types of magnesium suitable for children. However, keep in mind that oral intake of magnesium can cause digestive issues in children. With transdermal absorption—through the skin—the likelihood of digestive problems is much lower, and the absorption by the body is optimal.

However, products like magnesium oil, due to their high concentration, can cause skin irritation in children, which can be unpleasant. Sometimes diluting it with water can be an option. It can also be used in its pure form under the soles of the feet, where the skin is less sensitive. This method works well, for example, before bedtime.

Ideal for children are baths or foot baths with magnesium crystals. These are pleasant to use, highly effective, and often children enjoy them. Additionally, the lower-concentrated, mild body cream can be well-suited for children. Note: this contains 10% magnesium oil.

Dosage and Use of Magnesium for Children

A commonly used guideline is a minimum of 6 mg of magnesium per kg of body weight as a daily dosage. In the U.S., the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has advocated increasing this to 8 or 10 mg per kg. It is important to note that the requirement is individual and depends on diet, genetic predisposition, level of physical activity, stress, etc. Fortunately, magnesium overdose is unlikely: the body absorbs what it needs, and the rest is naturally excreted. There are also no significant contraindications, except for severe kidney problems and very low blood pressure.

For example, based on the guideline, a healthy child weighing 30 kg needs 180 mg of magnesium per day. We assume that half of the magnesium requirement is met through food, so in this case, we recommend using an additional 90 mg. Based on different age groups, the following recommendations are made:

Children 0-2 years Two to three times a week, a bath (about 30 liters of water) with about 100 grams of crystals. On other days, apply the body cream, about three fingertips' worth. Application can be anywhere, but good spots are the feet and abdomen.

Children 3-6 years Two to three times a week, a foot bath (3 liters of water) with about 40 grams of crystals or twice a week a bath (50 liters of water) with 150 to 200 grams of crystals. On other days, use four to five fingertips' worth of body cream.

Children 7-12 years Two to three times a week, a foot bath (3 liters of water) with about 50 grams of crystals or a bath (50 liters of water) with 200 to 250 grams of crystals. Use the body cream liberally on other days or a few sprays of magnesium oil under the feet before bedtime.

Children 13-16 years Gradually increase the dosage to about 80 to 100 grams of crystals for a foot bath and 500 grams for a full bath. Apply the body cream without limitation and use 10 to 12 sprays of magnesium oil per day.

From age 16 onwards, the adult dosage can be used.

Note: Maintain a specific dosage for at least three weeks, observe the results, and then adjust the dosage up or down as needed. Continue this for a period to assess its effectiveness. Daily use is important because the body cannot store magnesium.