Magnesium a Miracle Mineral

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Magnesium is a macro-mineral that is needed in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. How it works within many body processes is truly miraculous. Children as well as adults often have low magnesium levels. It is an often overlooked mineral and is not easily tested for in a routine blood serum test that measures magnesium. Instead it needs to be assessed through a Red Blood Cell Magnesium Test, as the body will pull magnesium from other areas in the body to maintain proper amounts in the blood serum. 

Magnesium is needed in many of the normal body processes including:

• Calming the nervous system and anxiety
• Improving energy, attention, and focus
• Aiding in proper digestion and bowel elimination
• Heart health​
• Proper calcium balance
• Bone and muscle health
• Restful sleep
• Preventing headaches 

​Magnesium is obtained from foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. It is always best if possible, to obtain adequate magnesium through a well balanced diet which includes a variety of foods that contain high levels of magnesium. Unfortunately foods that contain high levels of magnesium are typically foods that children may not be eating enough of in the typical American diet, which can contribute to low magnesium levels.


Signs of low magnesium levels or magnesium insufficiency include:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Sleep issues
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Asthma
• Heart palpitations
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fatigue

There are several different types of magnesium. It is important if a child is not obtaining adequate magnesium from their diet, that the right magnesium supplement be used. Magnesium Oxide is the least expensive and readily found form of magnesium. It is often found in multivitamin supplements as it is an inexpensive form of magnesium. However, it is not well absorbed and stays primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, so it does not benefit the rest of the body. Therefore Magnesium Oxide is discouraged as a magnesium supplement.


Wellness 4 KIDS can help asses your child’s magnesium needs and guide you in which type of magnesium supplement, if needed, would best meet your individual child’s health needs. Contact us and schedule a Free Pediatric Wellness Discovery Call.