Natural Vitality CALM® Kids

When considering the best magnesium for children, the first place to focus is on a healthy diet. Magnesium-rich foods include bananas, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and leafy greens. Some other surprising choices? Avocados, tofu and dark chocolate. Bananas aside, though, this list may not feature many of your kid’s favorite foods and that’s where supplements come in.

When looking for the best magnesium supplement for kids, choose one that is actually made for kids and features an appropriate dosage for your child’s age. (The Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA of magnesium for children ages 4-8 is 130 mg/day and for children ages 9-13 is 240 mg/day.) Also make sure the supplement delivers magnesium as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate, which are better absorbed than other types of magnesium. Finally, fun flavors and forms (like gummies) can make some magnesium supplements even more kid-friendly. 

Adults may take different types of magnesium for different reasons, but the main difference between adult and children’s magnesium supplements is the daily dosage of magnesium they deliver. Healthy magnesium levels vary based on factors like age, weight and size. For instance, the Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA of magnesium for adult males is 400-420 mg/day, for adult women is 310-320 mg/day, for children ages 9-13 is 240 mg/day and for children ages 4-8 is 130 mg/day. For this reason, adult magnesium supplements typically have higher magnesium content per serving compared to children’s magnesium supplements.