Bones are built from a whole team of minerals working together - not just calcium alone.

Calcium, phosphate, zinc and magnesium all play their part, as do a bunch of other trace minerals including boron, silica and more. Magnesium works alongside phosphate to help build bone strength and shock-absorbing capacity by bringing in hydration. Magnesium is needed for mitochondrial metabolism, the energy produced thus fueling growth. But if growth takes a fast turn with not enough magnesium available to catch up, it can hurt, and even cause inflammation. But it's usually more like a dull pain. Many parents reach out for their tube of magnesium cream to give a gentle magnesium massage on their children's leg muscles and joints to soothe away the aches, relax and calm distress. Simple comforting quick relief naturally. Regular use helps to keep the body's needs topped up.

Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzyme reactions in the body, many of them central to brain development, including energy production for brain cells and the processes involved in healthy cell growth and repair. A developing brain has high energy demands, which is part of why adequate magnesium is considered foundational nutrition through childhood.

It takes between 28-56 magnesium molecules to metabolise and turn into energy just a single molecule of sugar. Research links magnesium deficiency to increased sugar sensitivity. Suar literally steals your magnesium and spends it excessively. This explains why a birthday party of cupcakes and cordial can end in a screaming meltdown followed by a total energy crash.

Magnesium supports the GABA receptors involved in calming the nervous system after a big day. It's part of why a warm bath with magnesium flakes before bed is such a well-worn wind-down ritual, for kids and adults alike.

Research has found children with lower magnesium status are more likely to show signs of inattention and hyperactivity, and a 2019 meta-analysis found an inverse relationship between magnesium levels and ADHD symptom severity.

Kozielec & Starobrat-Hermelin, Magnes Res, 1997

Effatpanah et al., Psychiatry Res, 2019

Standard oral magnesium tablets can cause stomach upset in some children, especially at higher doses.

We recommend two gentler routes instead: a few drops of Mineral Drops restored to drinking water, which is a low, well-diluted concentration that's easy on little tummies. It tastes great and brings in better hydration for cells. Of course it's better than those sugary drinks! Training the body to like the taste of healthy food and drink sets your kids up for a healthier adult life. Add extra topical with a bath, footsoak or gentle magnesium massage with magnesium cream to relax and recover - and also get the best sleep!. It's especially good to support young athletes and the demands of both growing and sports.

Many families use a combination (dietary and transdermal magnesium) as part of the same daily routine.

Creams can be massaged in anywhere on the body, it comes down to personal preference for the child.

For babies under 3 years old:

• Baby Calm Balm massaged in as part of a bedtime routine
• 1/2 cup of Magnesium Flakes in a half bath, 2–3 times a week
• 6-12 drops of the mineral drops per 1 litre of drinking water, if sensitive to change, start with 2-3 drops per 1 litre and then slowly increase over a few weeks.

For 3-14 years:

• Magnesium cream massaged in as part of a bedtime routine
• 1/2 cup of Magnesium Flakes in a half bath, 2–3 times a week
• 6-12 drops of the mineral drops per 1 litre of drinking water, if sensitive to change, start with 2-3 drops per 1 litre and then slowly increase over a few weeks.

For 14 years+:

• Magnesium cream or lotion massaged in as part of a bedtime routine
• 1/2 cup of Magnesium Flakes in a half bath, 2–3 times a week
• 6-12 drops of the mineral drops per 1 litre of drinking water, if sensitive to change, start with 2-3 drops per 1 litre and then slowly increase over a few weeks.