Magnesium For Kids Constipation

Overview

Magnesium is an essential electrolyte in the human body and plays an important role in many physiological processes, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It is important to ensure that children get the appropriate amount of magnesium in their diet, as a deficiency can lead to poor growth, muscle weakness, and other health problems. Magnesium can also be taken as a supplement, but it is best to consult with a paediatrician before giving any supplements to children.

In medicine, magnesium-based laxatives are used to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation in kids. Magnesium for kids constipation is considered safe for occasional use, but excessive use can lead to diarrhoea and dehydration. 

How does magnesium affect kids constipation?

It is important for children to have regular bowel movements in order to maintain good overall health. The paediatricians state that children need daily bowel movements the consistency of "soft-serve ice cream, pudding, hummus" in order to fully evacuate the colon. On the other hand, hard stools can stretch out the smooth muscles of the colon, preventing them from contracting efficiently and fully emptying digested material. This can lead to constipation and a decrease in appetite as the sensory system won't detect the urge to evacuate the bowels when muscle tone is compromised.

Functional constipation occurs when there is no underlying pathology or structural problem. Children with functional constipation may experience recurring tummy pains, intestinal bloating, excessive wind or flatulence, discomfort or pain while passing stools, and in some cases, faecal leakage and soiling of underwear.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions such as a parasite infection or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which is why it's important to consult a paediatrician for an accurate  diagnosis and treatment.

A paediatrician will conduct a physical examination and order additional tests such as a stool analysis or imaging studies to rule out underlying conditions and determine the best course of treatment. The most common causes of constipation in children are dehydration, lack of fibre in their diet, lack of healthy bacteria, stress, food intolerances, diet changes, and poor gut health.

However, constipation can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), thyroid and other endocrine issues, nervous system conditions, diseases of the large bowel, developmental conditions, poor gut health and pain in the anus or rectum.

A study was conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine at Assiut University in Egypt. The study found that oral magnesium sulphate is an effective treatment for constipation, particularly in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The study found that magnesium sulphate is more effective than other laxatives, has fewer side effects, and requires a smaller dose to achieve good results. It is important to note that these findings are specific to the study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine at Assiut University in Egypt. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of oral magnesium sulphate as a treatment for constipation, particularly in patients with CP. It is also important to consult a paediatrician before giving any supplements to children with CP or any other condition.

Which magnesium is best for kids constipation

Magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide as oral laxatives can be used to treat occasional constipation. The onset of action ranges from 30 minutes to 6 hours after administration. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and mild abdominal cramping. It is important to follow the recommended dosage as prolonged use or high doses can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, these laxatives may interact with oral anticoagulants, digitalis, and some phenothiazines. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication.

Magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide are both considered appropriate for the treatment of occasional constipation in children. The choice between the two may depend on the specific case and the child's individual needs, as well as the advice of a healthcare professional. Magnesium citrate is usually considered to be a more effective laxative than magnesium hydroxide. However, magnesium citrate can cause stomach upset, while magnesium hydroxide is often well-tolerated. It's always best to consult with a paediatrician or a paediatric gastroenterologist before giving any type of laxative or supplement to children, as they will be able to give the best advice for your child's specific case.

How much magnesium should I take for kids constipation

The recommended dosage of oral magnesium for children will depend on the child's age, weight, and medical history. In general, paediatric dosing for magnesium citrate is typically 10-30 mL (200-600 mg of magnesium) for children aged 2-11 years, and 30-60 mL (600-1200 mg of magnesium) for children aged 12 years and older.

For magnesium hydroxide, the usual paediatric dose is 4-8 mL (240-480 mg of magnesium) for children aged 2-11 years, and 8-15 mL (480-900 mg of magnesium) for children aged 12 years and older.

It is important to note that magnesium supplements should not be used for more than a week without consulting a paediatrician. Some children may have side effects or may not respond well to the treatment, so it's always important to monitor the child's response to the treatment and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Side effects and other concerns

Magnesium supplements, like magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide, can cause some side effects in children. These may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Diarrhoea
  • Low blood pressure
  • Electrolyte imbalances (such as hypokalemia)

It is important to note that taking magnesium supplements in high doses for an extended period of time can lead to serious side effects, including irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, and even kidney failure.

It's also important to note that children with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, should avoid taking magnesium supplements or use them with caution.

Additionally, magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, diuretics, and blood pressure medications, so it's important to speak with a paediatrician or pharmacist before giving a child any new supplement or medication.

In conclusion, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and to consult with a paediatrician or paediatric gastroenterologist before giving any type of laxative or supplement to children to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Summary

Magnesium is an important mineral that is necessary for the healthy growth and development of children. It plays a role in many of the body's functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It also helps to build strong bones and teeth. Constipation is a common problem among children, and magnesium as osmotic and stimulant laxatives are often used by healthcare professionals to manage it. However it is important to consult with a paediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References

  1. Hassanein SMA, Deifallah SM, Bastawy HA. Efficacy of oral magnesium therapy in the treatment of chronic constipation in spastic cerebral palsy children: a randomized controlled trial. World J Pediatr [Internet]. 2021 Feb [cited 2023 Jan 26];17(1):92–8. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12519-020-00401-0
  2. Flores DV, Burnett J, Booker J, Dyer CB. Uncomfortably numb: Substance use associated with elder mistreatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence [Internet]. 2015 Jan [cited 2023 Jan 26];146:e279. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0376871614012873
This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits. See our editorial standards for more details.

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Maja Mandzikashvili

Master of Genetics, Public Health educator-Vilnius University.

Hi, I am public health specialist, working on educational projects for kids.
While self-love and healthy habits like exercise and a balanced diet can contribute to physical and psychological well-being, achieving a "perfect" body is subjective and can be unrealistic or harmful to pursue. All bodies are beautiful to me when they are healthy physically and mentally.
This is the approach to my daily practice in life and at work, I am trying to maintain and teach my pupils.
I am glad that through my articles I can share my knowledge and experience with others to promote healthy habits and prevent disease.

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