Signs of Low Magnesium in Children

Role of Magnesium in the Body

Adequate magnesium levels are crucial for good health. Magnesium is essential for sufficient brain energy, plays an important role in central nervous system communication, and is crucial for serotonin production. (1)

Signs of Low Magnesium 

Symptoms of low magnesium include reduced cognitive ability and processes, reduced attention span, increased aggression, fatigue, irritability, nervousness, mood swings, and a lack of concentration. (1) 

Supplementation

Magnesium comes in various forms. Magnesium citrate and amino acid chelate are the form I'm Nutrients chooses as they maintain nervous system health and neuromuscular function in children.  The lesser absorbed forms (predominately magnesium oxide) has more potential side effects because of reduced gut absorption and subsequent excretion via the bowels, resulting in diarrhoea or abdominal cramps. (1) 

References

1. El Baza F, AlShahawi HA, Zahra S, AbdelHakim RA. Magnesium supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics. 2016;17(1):63-70. 

2. Villagomez A, Ramtekkar U. Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Children Presenting with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children (Basel, Switzerland). 2014;1(3):261-79.

3. Effatpanah M, Rezaei M, Effatpanah H, Effatpanah Z, Varkaneh HK, Mousavi SM, et al. Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research. 2019;274:228-34.