Parenthood is an exhilarating journey filled with joy, laughter, and love. But it has its fair share of challenges, especially when your child or teen is dealing with mental Health and behavioral issues. Magnesium can help improve your kid's brain and behavior, particularly magnesium citrate, threonate, glycinate, and magnesium oxide. But let's focus first on magnesium threonate vs. glycinate focusing on their differences and benefits.  

In the quest for answers, you may have come across the intriguing role of magnesium in brain health and its potential to support attention, mood, stress, and behavior. Magnesium, an essential mineral, is crucial in various bodily functions, including heart health, energy production, and cognitive function. But what makes it even more fascinating is the existence of different forms of magnesium, each with its unique benefits and characteristics.

Understanding Low Magnesium Level and its Impact on the Body

Before we delve into the specific forms of magnesium, it's essential to understand the implications of magnesium deficiency. In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for children and teens to have insufficient magnesium levels due to dietary habits, stress, and certain medications.

Magnesium deficiency can have far-reaching effects on the body. From cardiovascular health and muscle function to mood regulation and sleep quality, magnesium is vital in maintaining overall well-being (Al-Ghamdi et al., 1994). Identifying the signs of magnesium deficiency and addressing it through supplementation becomes crucial for promoting optimal health.

Let me share Jack's story. Jack was a vibrant child, but lately, he had been feeling down and struggling with behavior issues at school and home.  He experienced frequent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even anxiety. Concerned about their son's well-being, Jack's parents took him to see a doctor.

The doctor, unfortunately, misdiagnosed Jack's symptoms as a mental health issue. They believed that Jack was going through some moodiness and recommended therapy and medication. Although Jack faithfully attended therapy sessions and diligently took his prescribed medications, he didn't seem to experience the relief his family had hoped for.

Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Insomnia or poor sleep quality
• Irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Difficulty focusing or poor attention span
• Headaches or migraines
• Digestive issues, such as constipation
• Weakness in muscles
• Abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations
• Hormonal imbalances
• Weakened immune system
• Poor bone health or increased risk of osteoporosis
• Numbness or tingling in extremities

Jack's symptoms persisted as time passed, and he and his parents began questioning the initial diagnosis. They sought a second opinion to find answers and provide their son with the best care possible. That's how I met them.

Jack's parents took him to see me, and he got a QEEG Brain Map. After listening to Jack's symptoms and doing further testing, we devised a plan to address his mental health symptoms and magnesium deficiency. Aside from magnesium supplementation and other natural solutions were part of his care plan. 

Jack's parents eagerly embraced the holistic approach, believing it could give their son the relief he desperately needed. They also started by incorporating magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, into Jack's diet. 

Magnesium Glycinate: What It Is and How It Works

Magnesium glycinate is a superstar in supporting our bodies, particularly regarding heart health, blood pressure regulation, and overall well-being. So, what exactly is this remarkable compound, and how does it work its magic?

Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium chelated with the amino acid glycine, forming a powerful bond that enhances the absorption and bioavailability of elemental magnesium (Yin et al., 2017). This unique combination increases the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation and brings forth a range of extraordinary advantages.

One of the critical benefits of magnesium glycinate lies in its gentle and calming effect on the body. The glycine molecules in this form of magnesium act as a soothing balm, promoting relaxation and tranquility. If you've been struggling with sleep quality, restlessness, or anxiety, magnesium glycinate might be the perfect ally to help you unwind and achieve a restful night's sleep.

Moreover, magnesium glycinate offers targeted support for heart health and blood pressure regulation. Increasing magnesium levels in the body aids in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. 

This incredible mineral helps to relax blood vessels, thereby promoting optimal blood flow and supporting healthy blood pressure levels. With magnesium glycinate, you can give your heart the love and care it deserves, ensuring its smooth operation and longevity.

But that's not all. Magnesium glycinate also plays a crucial role in supporting various physiological functions within the body. It participates in muscle contraction, making it an excellent choice for individuals experiencing muscle cramps or spasms. 

Additionally, it supports insulin sensitivity, which is vital for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and overall metabolic function. Let's not forget its positive influence on long-term memory and cognitive function, making it an attractive option for those seeking mental clarity and enhanced brain function.

Magnesium glycinate stands out as a top contender when selecting the best form of magnesium. Its superior bioavailability ensures that your body can readily absorb and utilize this essential mineral, allowing you to reap the maximum benefits. Its gentle nature makes it an excellent choice for individuals who may be more sensitive to other forms of magnesium that have a laxative effect.

Magnesium L-Threonate: What It Is and How It Works

Magnesium threonate is a true gem in supporting our bodies, particularly regarding cognitive function, brain health, and overall well-being. It is a form of magnesium specially formulated to facilitate its absorption and utilization by the brain. Magnesium l-threonate is created when magnesium is mixed with threonic acid, producing magnesium salt.

This exceptional quality makes it ideal for individuals seeking to support brain function and attention and enhance cognitive abilities. While other forms of magnesium struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier, magnesium threonate triumphantly overcomes this obstacle, ensuring that this essential mineral can reach its intended destination—the brain.

But what makes magnesium threonate stand out from the crowd? Well, it all comes down to its unique structure and composition. The threonate molecules in this form of magnesium act as carriers, facilitating magnesium transport across the blood-brain barrier. 

Once inside the brain, magnesium positively influences synaptic plasticity, promotes connections between neurons, and supports overall brain health (Shen et al., 2019). The result? Improved memory, focus, and cognitive performance—a genuine boost for individuals looking to optimize their mental capabilities.

Beyond its cognitive benefits, magnesium threonate also contributes to overall well-being. Increasing magnesium levels supports various physiological functions, including heart health and blood pressure regulation. 

Adequate magnesium intake has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, better blood pressure management, and reduced risk of heart disease. With magnesium threonate, you can support your brain, learning and attention, and heart function, ensuring a holistic approach to your health.

Comparing Magnesium Glycinate and Threonate: Key Differences

When choosing the correct form of magnesium for your specific needs, it's essential to consider the differences between magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate. While both forms offer unique benefits, understanding their distinctions leads to an informed decision. Let's explore their fundamental differences.

How to Choose the Right Form of Magnesium for Your Child's Needs

Magnesium is crucial to our overall health. However, determining which form best suits your specific needs can be challenging. Follow these steps to choose the suitable form of magnesium and optimize its benefits:

1. Assess Your Health Goals

Identify your specific health goals and concerns. Are you looking to support your child's mental health condition? Does he struggle with magnesium deficiency or want to increase his magnesium levels? Are you focused on improving cognitive function and brain health? Understanding your objectives will help you narrow down the appropriate form of magnesium.

2. Consider Bioavailability

Consider the bioavailability of different forms of magnesium. Bioavailability describes how easily the body can absorb and utilize magnesium. Forms such as magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate offer high bioavailability, making them practical options for supplementation.

3. Evaluate Specific Benefits

Examine the unique benefits of each form. For example, Magnesium glycinate is gentle on the digestive tract and less likely to cause a laxative effect, making it suitable for regular supplementation. Magnesium threonate can cross the blood-brain barrier, enhancing brain magnesium levels and improving cognitive function.

4. Consult with a Healthcare Provider

Consult with a doctor to ensure the selected form of magnesium aligns with your specific needs and any existing health conditions. They can provide personalized guidance based on factors such as heart health, high blood pressure, sleep quality, or cognitive function, as well as if it works well with other supplements.

5. Consider Dietary Sources

Remember to prioritize obtaining magnesium through dietary sources whenever possible. Include magnesium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to provide a natural and balanced source of this essential mineral. A healthy anti-inflammatory diet such as a Mediterranean diet, paleo diet, or even intermittent fasting can help the brain when the focus is on nutrient-dense foods.

6. Determine Dosage and Frequency

The appropriate magnesium supplementation dosage and frequency are based on your recommended dietary allowance and individual needs. A provider will consider factors such as magnesium deficiencies, specific health conditions, and potential side effects associated with high doses of magnesium. Note that magnesium may get excreted when drinking water excessively, so this must be consulted with your health provider as well. 

Magnesium, the essential mineral, offers possibilities for supporting brain health, attention, mood, stress, and behavior. Learning the differences between magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate allows you to decide on the proper form of magnesium for your needs. 

Whether it's the calming properties of magnesium glycinate or the cognitive benefits of magnesium threonate, incorporating the appropriate form of magnesium into your routine may unlock a world of positive effects for you and your child or teen.

Returning to Jack's story, his body responded positively to the magnesium supplements and natural solutions over time. He gradually regained his energy and experienced a renewed sense of focus and clarity. The anxiety that had once plagued him began to fade away, replaced by a calm and balanced state of mind.

Remember, while magnesium supplementation can be beneficial, you must talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it aligns with your overall health goals. Embrace the power of magnesium and pave the way for improved well-being and a brighter future for your child or teen.

Also, magnesium is not a stand-alone solution to mental health issues. Holistic approaches, such as neurofeedback, PEMF, and behavioral therapy, are also essential. Our BrainBehaviorResetTM Program is a multifaceted approach to addressing mental health issues in kids and teens. 

Parent Action Steps:

Get on the Neurotastic  waitlist for magnesium to for special offers.

Understand the benefits of magnesium threonate and magnesium glycinate.

Consult with your child's healthcare provider about magnesium supplementation.

Follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions.

Include magnesium-rich foods in your child's diet.

Monitor your child's response to magnesium supplementation for improvements in well-being.

Establish a bedtime routine to promote quality sleep and magnesium absorption.

Consider other lifestyle factors that may impact magnesium levels.

Stay informed about the latest research in magnesium supplementation and natural solutions.

Maintain regular communication with your child's healthcare provider for ongoing support.

Citations: 

Al-Ghamdi, S. M. G., Cameron, E. C., & Sutton, R. A. L. (1994). Magnesium Deficiency: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Overview. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 24(5), 737–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0272-6386(12)80667-6

Shen, Y., Dai, L., Tian, H., Xu, R., Li, F., Li, Z., Zhou, J., Wang, L., Dong, J., & Sun, L. (2019). Treatment Of Magnesium-L-Threonate Elevates The Magnesium Level In The Cerebrospinal Fluid And Attenuates Motor Deficits And Dopamine Neuron Loss In A Mouse Model Of Parkinson’s disease. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 15, 3143–3153. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s230688

Yin, L.-H., Liu, X.-P., Yi, L.-Y., Wang, J., Zhang, Y.-J., & Feng, Y.-F. (2017). Structural characterization of calcium glycinate, magnesium glycinate and zinc glycinate. Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, 10(03), 1650052. https://doi.org/10.1142/s1793545816500528