Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies and is needed by every single one of our cells to work properly ^1,2. It is involved in over 600 body reactions from muscle movements to nervous system regulation, to protein formation and so much more ². While it is critical for adults to ensure they are getting enough magnesium, it is even more important for children as they are going through such rapid growth and development in their first 10+ years of life.

• Improves sleep
  
  Yes, it’s true! In fact, magnesium is commonly referred to as ‘Nature’s Tranquilizer’. Research has shown that Magnesium encourages a deeper and more restorative sleep which potentially means fewer night wakings and night terrors due to its calming effect on the brain ³. One of its natural functions is to act as a sedative in the body by calming down muscles and nerves ³. It also helps to maintain optimum levels of sleep hormones which can positively impact children’s ‘internal clock’ (otherwise known as circadian rhythms) – this means they will naturally get sleepy in the evening, stay asleep at night, and are energized at sunrise.
• Improves mood & anxiety
  
  A deficiency in magnesium is directly linked to anxiety and stress⁶, and this can cause children to become excessively emotional, impulsive and even aggressive. When children act out like this you shouldn’t instantly assume it’s behavioral... it could very well be linked to their diet and a signal that they might not be getting enough magnesium. Magnesium also encourages adequate serotonin levels ⁷ (the brain’s natural antidepressant) which keeps our little ones happy and in a more consistent and positive mood.
• Improves concentration
  
  Magnesium’s ability to regulate the nervous system and brain may help improve a childs attention span and reduce their hyperactivity. Studies have shown a significant decrease in hyperactive, agitated and restless behavior in children who had improved their magnesium levels from a deficient state. There is now also a potential link between magnesium deficiency and learning disabilities in some children which is under investigation. Magnesium supplementation has even been shown to improve some of the social and emotional challenges that affect children who are autistic or have ADHD ⁸.
  
  While we at Tiny Sprouts only endorse improving magnesium levels through natural food sources, some extreme cases may require supplementation through pills/oils etc. Please ensure you consult your pediatrician in these particular situations.
• Supports development of teeth & bones
  
  Calcium and Vitamin D are well known nutrients for helping grow strong teeth and bones, but they can't do that without magnesium. Magnesium activates vitamin D allowing the vitamin to control calcium levels in the blood and supporting absorption of calcium by teeth and bones.
• Supports the immune system
  
  With young and rapidly developing immune systems, our little ones are more susceptible to infections. Magnesium helps form antibodies that attack any foreign bacteria and viruses in the body which ultimately help protect children from avoidable illnesses.

While the most common symptoms are poor sleep and constipation, the list below is also indicative of a magnesium deficiency. You may think that many of these apply to your little ones so please consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

• Poor sleep, frequent night wakes & tiredness
• Poor mood
• Aggression and irritability 
• Decreased attention span
• Decreased memory
• Restlessness and fidgeting
• Muscle weakness, cramps, and twitches
• Constipation

We wish that the best sources of this mighty mineral were loved by children, but that is usually not the case! And while many foods are rich in magnesium, the serving sizes are simply too difficult to incorporate into our little ones diets. For example, bananas are often cited as a magnesium rich food, but one has to eat 2 FULL bananas to get the same amount of magnesium as a single tablespoon of hemp seeds!

The entire range of Tiny Sprouts Organic Superseed Boosters is a great source of magnesium offering up to 70% of a toddlers daily in a single tablespoon serving. Our Organic Hemp Hearts Booster for example offers 55mg of magnesium in one tablespoon. A child would have to eat ½ cup of black beans or quinoa to get the same amount! Our seeds are a great way to boost up the magnesium content of any food your little one enjoys.