Magnesium Bisglycinate Dosing for a 12-Year-Old Boy
For a 12-year-old boy, the recommended dose of magnesium bisglycinate is 30-60 mL daily (using standard liquid formulations), which can be taken once daily, preferably at bedtime, or in divided doses. 1
FDA-Approved Dosing Guidelines
The FDA labeling for magnesium bisglycinate provides clear age-based dosing for children 12 years and older 1:
- Children 12 years and older: 30-60 mL daily
- Administration: Dose may be taken once daily (preferably at bedtime), in divided doses, or as directed by a physician
- Important: Shake well before use and drink a full glass (8 oz) of liquid with each dose 1
Elemental Magnesium Content Considerations
The specific elemental magnesium content will depend on the concentration of the bisglycinate formulation being used. Standard recommendations suggest 2:
- General pediatric requirement: Approximately 6 mg/kg/day of elemental magnesium
- For a typical 12-year-old (assuming ~40-50 kg body weight): This translates to approximately 240-300 mg elemental magnesium daily
Clinical Context for Dosing
If Treating Documented Magnesium Deficiency
Research demonstrates that children with confirmed magnesium deficiency may require higher supplementation 3:
- Therapeutic dose: Approximately 200 mg elemental magnesium daily for 6 months has been used successfully in clinical studies for children with documented deficiency 3
Bioavailability Considerations
Magnesium bisglycinate (an amino acid-bound organic compound) demonstrates superior absorption compared to inorganic magnesium salts 4:
- Organic magnesium compounds like bisglycinate show better tissue penetration and bioavailability than inorganic forms 4
- The amino acid-bound formulation allows for more efficient absorption through both passive and active transport mechanisms 4
Administration Strategy
Optimal dosing approach 5:
- Start with the lower end of the dosing range (30 mL) if using for general supplementation
- Increase to 60 mL if treating documented deficiency or if clinical response is inadequate 5
- Divided dosing is not necessary with modern formulations, as once-daily administration provides adequate bioavailability 5
Monitoring and Safety
Key monitoring parameters 6:
- Assess for gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, abdominal cramping), which are the most common adverse effects
- Monitor renal function in children with any kidney impairment, as magnesium is primarily renally excreted 6
- Watch for signs of hypermagnesemia (rare with oral supplementation): muscle weakness, hypotension, or bradycardia 6
Important Caveats
Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose within a 24-hour period 1. While magnesium toxicity from oral supplementation is uncommon in children with normal renal function, excessive dosing can cause significant diarrhea and electrolyte disturbances 6.
Contraindications to consider 6:
- Severe renal impairment (magnesium accumulation risk)
- Complete heart block or severe cardiac conduction abnormalities
- Active gastrointestinal obstruction