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59: The Most Important Supplement for Kids' Brains

May 3, 2023
we’re always searching for the right brain supplement for kids to support focus, mood, and learning. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge shares that one nutrient that truly calms the brain. Learn about Regulation First Parenting™, helping families through emotional dysregulation.
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If your child is anxious, unfocused, wired at bedtime, or constantly melting down, you’re probably wondering what you’re missing. You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why kids’ brains are under more stress than ever—and why one simple, science-backed supplement can make a meaningful difference when we calm the brain first.You’ll learn how stress, lifestyle, and nervous system overload impact your child’s behavior, why supplements aren’t “extra” support, and which nutrient I consistently see help kids with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and emotional dysregulation.

Why does my child seem constantly overwhelmed or “on edge”?

Today’s kids are living with compounded stressors—school pressure, social demands, technology, lack of sleep, limited movement, and nutrient gaps. When stress stacks up, the nervous system shifts into fight, flight, or freeze, making calm, focus, and emotional control nearly impossible.What parents often notice:

  • Explosive reactions to small things
  • Trouble focusing or sitting still
  • Mood swings, worries, or shutdowns

Parent StoryOne mom shared that her child’s irritability wasn’t defiance—it was a stressed nervous system asking for support.When we calm the body, behavior softens.

What is the most important supplement for kids’ brain health?

If I had to pick one, it’s magnesium. Hands down. Parents tell me all the time they wish they’d known about it sooner because of how quickly they saw changes.Why magnesium matters:

  • Supports attention and learning
  • Calms stress hormones and improves mood
  • Plays a role in over 300 chemical processes in the body

Magnesium is truly the workhorse of the brain. When the nervous system is activated, the body diverts resources away from learning and regulation. Magnesium helps bring the system back into balance.

Magnesium

How does magnesium help kids with anxiety, ADHD, or OCD?

When a child is stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, every resource goes toward survival—not thinking or emotional control. Magnesium supports the brain’s ability to shift out of that survival state.The two forms I often recommend:

  • Magnesium glycinate – calming, supports anxiety and sleep
  • Magnesium L-threonate – crosses the blood-brain barrier, supports focus and cognition

These forms are clinically studied and commonly helpful for kids struggling with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and attention challenges. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain.

How much magnesium does my child actually need?

This is where personalization matters—every body is different. General guidelines include:

  • Infants: ~30 mg
  • Ages 4–8: ~130 mg
  • Teens: up to ~400 mg
  • Adults: ~240 mg

Always consult your provider before starting supplements. And remember, supplements work best alongside lifestyle changes—sleep, movement, and nutrient-dense foods (especially greens).

Why isn’t a supplement enough on its own?

Magnesium is powerful, but it’s not magic. True healing happens when we pair it with a regulation-first lifestyle.Support the nervous system with:

  • Consistent sleep routines
  • Daily movement
  • Reduced tech overload
  • Self-care for you, too

When parents care for their own nervous systems, kids feel it. Your calm becomes their calm. It’s gonna be OK.🗣️ Magnesium is the workhorse of the brain. When we calm the nervous system, the brain can finally do its job.” — Dr. Roseann

Takeaway & What’s Next

Your child isn’t broken—their brain is overloaded. When we support the nervous system with the right nutrients and habits, real change is possible.If you want to go deeper, check out our Neurotastic™ Multi-Mag Brain™ Formula and learn how to build a calmer brain from the inside out.

FAQs

Is magnesium safe for kids?

Yes, when used appropriately and with provider guidance. Choose well-studied forms like glycinate or L-threonate.

Can magnesium help with sleep?

Absolutely. Magnesium supports relaxation and can improve sleep onset and quality.

How fast does magnesium work?

Some families notice calming effects quickly, but consistency matters for lasting benefits.

Does magnesium replace therapy or medication?

No. It supports regulation so other therapies can work better.Not sure where to start? Take the guesswork out of helping your child.Use our free Solution Matcher to get a personalized plan based on your child’s unique needs—whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, mood issues, or emotional dysregulation. In just a few minutes, you'll know exactly what support is right for your family.Start here: www.drroseann.com/help

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Revolutionizing Children’s Mental Health

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge’s podcast, It’s Gonna be OK!™: Science-Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health, is in the top 2% globally. The podcast empowers parents with natural, science-backed solutions to improve children’s self-regulation and calm their brains. Each episode delivers expert advice and practical strategies, making it indispensable for parents of neurodivergent children or those with behavioral or mental health challenges.

Dr. Roseann, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, created the Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and BrainBehaviorReset® method. With her extensive experience, she provides families with hope and effective strategies to manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.

Forbes has called her “A thought leader in children’s mental health,” highlighting her revolutionary impact on mental health education and treatment. Through her podcast and innovative methods, Dr. Roseann continues to transform how we approach, treat and understand children’s mental health.
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