Nutrient guide
Magnesium for children: food sources, nutrition and safety
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of processes in the body, including muscle and nerve function and energy production. Most children can get enough from a varied diet.
Written by NeuroBite Editorial Team · Last updated
What magnesium does
Strong evidenceMagnesium supports muscles, nerves, bones and the way the body turns food into energy.
Food sources
- Nuts and seeds, or smooth nut and seed butters
- Wholegrain bread, oats and brown rice
- Beans and lentils
- Leafy green vegetables
- Bananas and avocado
Magnesium, sleep and behaviour: what research says
Limited / emerging evidenceMagnesium has been studied for sleep and for ADHD symptoms, often combined with vitamin B6. Studies are small and results are mixed, so there is no clear evidence that it helps most children.
Safety
Magnesium from food is safe. Supplements in high amounts can cause diarrhoea and stomach upset, and can interact with some medicines.
Supplements can interact with medicines and with each other, and children need smaller amounts than adults. NeuroBite never gives individual doses. Ask your child's doctor, pharmacist or dietitian before starting, stopping or combining supplements.
References
NeuroBite is educational and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your child's doctor, dietitian or feeding therapist before changing their diet or starting supplements.
