What is a suitable dose of magnesium for a 40lb child to help with sleep and constipation?

From the Guidelines

For a 40lb child, a suitable magnesium dose to help with sleep and constipation is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, however, based on general medical knowledge, a dose of 100-150mg daily is often recommended. Magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate are generally preferred forms for these issues, as they are better absorbed and may cause less stomach upset [no direct evidence provided]. For constipation specifically, magnesium citrate tends to work better due to its mild laxative effect [no direct evidence provided]. The supplement should be given about 30-60 minutes before bedtime for sleep benefits. Always start with the lower dose and increase gradually if needed.

The provided evidence 1 discusses the evaluation and treatment of monosymptomatic enuresis, which is not directly related to the question of magnesium dosage for sleep and constipation. However, it does mention the importance of treating constipation, which is relevant to the question. According to the evidence 1, if there is any sign of constipation, it should be treated, and the goal is to have a soft movement passed without discomfort every day, preferably after breakfast.

It's essential to note that before starting any supplement, it's crucial to consult with your child's pediatrician, especially if they have any kidney issues or are taking other medications, as magnesium can interact with certain drugs [no direct evidence provided]. Magnesium works by relaxing muscles, including those in the intestinal tract, which helps with bowel movements, and it also helps regulate neurotransmitters that promote sleep and calm the nervous system [no direct evidence provided].

In terms of administration, the supplement can be found in liquid, powder, or chewable forms, which may be easier for children to take [no direct evidence provided]. Ultimately, the decision to use magnesium supplements should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into account the individual child's needs and health status.

From the Research

Magnesium Dosage for Children

To determine a suitable dose of magnesium for a 40lb child to help with sleep and constipation, we can look at the following studies:

• A study published in the World Journal of Pediatrics in 2021 2 found that oral magnesium sulfate at a dose of 1 mL/kg/day for 1 month improved constipation in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
• A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2011 3 found that children with functional constipation who were treated with daily oral magnesium oxide at a median dose of 600 mg/day had improved serum magnesium concentration and decreased constipation symptoms.

Dosage Calculation

Based on the study published in the World Journal of Pediatrics 2, we can calculate the dose of magnesium sulfate for a 40lb child as follows:

• First, we need to convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.45 kilograms, so a 40lb child weighs approximately 18kg.
• The study recommends a dose of 1 mL/kg/day, so for an 18kg child, the dose would be 18 mL/day.
• However, this study used magnesium sulfate, whereas the study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 3 used magnesium oxide. The elemental magnesium content of magnesium sulfate is approximately 10% (i.e., 1 gram of magnesium sulfate contains 0.1 grams of elemental magnesium), whereas the elemental magnesium content of magnesium oxide is approximately 60% (i.e., 1 gram of magnesium oxide contains 0.6 grams of elemental magnesium).
• Assuming we want to use magnesium oxide, we would need to adjust the dose accordingly. A dose of 18 mL/day of magnesium sulfate would contain approximately 180 mg of elemental magnesium (18 mL x 10 mg/mL), which is equivalent to approximately 300 mg of magnesium oxide (180 mg / 0.6).

Sleep and Constipation

Some studies suggest that magnesium may also help with sleep:

• A study published in Magnesium Research in 1997 4 found that magnesium supplementation improved hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may also help with sleep. However, it's essential to note that the relationship between magnesium and sleep is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Summary

In summary, a suitable dose of magnesium for a 40lb child to help with sleep and constipation could be approximately 300-600 mg of magnesium oxide per day, based on the studies published in the World Journal of Pediatrics 2 and the World Journal of Gastroenterology 3. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any supplements to a child, as they can recommend the best course of treatment and ensure the child's safety. Some key points to consider:

• Magnesium oxide may be a suitable form of magnesium for children with constipation.
• The dose of magnesium oxide may need to be adjusted based on the child's weight and response to treatment.
• Magnesium may also help with sleep, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
• It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any supplements to a child.