Magnesium or mag citrate for chronic constipation?

I use a teaspoon of Natural Vitality Calm in a cup of tea before bed. Be careful, it fizzes. I get it from Amazon.

Thank you for your suggestion! 😊

I take a brand I buy on Amazon daily after checking with my doctor. It’s one capsule of triple malate, glycinate and citrate 300 mg. I took it when chronic constipation started. I can’t say it helped. I no longer have the CC though, due to addressing my B12 issue.

I did find that a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia always did the job though, none of my doctors approved that for longterm use. I’m not sure why. They recommended Miralax instead. Sigh.

I take 300 mg magnesium citrate capsules and it was working great for me but recently hasn’t been working as well. My doctor told me I could go up to 400 mg, so I’m trying that for now. Sources I’ve seen online by GI dieticians reference 400-800 mg for constipation.

I’ve tried Natural Calm too, in lemon raspberry. It tastes like raspberry iced tea to me, but for some reason it doesn’t seem as effective.

My other go-to has been chia seed pudding. I take two teaspoons of chia seeds and gel them in yogurt or a smoothie and/or kiwi. My GI doc actually recommended that. There’s a study that eating two green kiwi a day was effective in reducing constipation. Two actually gave me diarrhea lol.

It may be worth considering other contributing factors or consulting with a GI dietician. I got the most help from working with a pelvic PT (I have pelvic floor dysfunction and she also taught me abdominal massage, which you can look up online to improve motility. I imagine that may help with tortuous colon) and a GI dietician. I learned it’s actually possible to have too much fiber, especially in a situation like this where it’s hard for your body to move things along.

I found this article helpful (it’s where I found the info about the magnesium citrate dosage): https://www.fodmapeveryday.com/the-scoop-on-increasing-your-ability-to-poop-strategies-for-alleviating-constipation/.

Good luck to you!

Thank you for the suggestions. Yes it seems like all doctors recommend Miralax.

Thank you. I love the chia seeds and kiwi!!!
Next month I have an appointment at the Pelvic Floor Center so hopefully I’ll learn some useful information.
I will check out the article

misssuezq,
Mag citrate is the liquid that most people use for occasional constipation. It seems to have a wide range of times and thorough relief. I find it very harsh and explosive and often does little for me.
I take Mag carbonate, it is the cheapest, its effectiveness is random, it does aid me, a tiny tiny bit for sleep .
I need to change, I can now afford a better grade.
I have heard that mag glycinate, I think I have this right, is a combo of different types of Magnesium.
Chelated is also supposed to be beneficial, it seems it is more effectively absorbed.
You probably know this, keep your magnesium intake 2 hours before or after any other medications.
I guzzle miralax by the gallon 🤪🤪 ShelleyW

Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know that B12 could contribute to chronic constipation. It’s such a challenge to figure out what’s going on.

I can’t remember the reason but with the way milk of magnesia works or the type of laxative; it can cause dependence with long-term use.

I was recommended Miralax too, but it gave me cramping even at a low dose. I guess just because it’s “safe,” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s comfortable.

I’m glad the Miralax worked for you. It caused cramping for me 😆. But I have POTS and visceral sensitivity so that could be why.

I take the magnesium citrate supplement, so in a capsule or tablet form, which is much less concentrated and intended to be used as a dietary supplement. But you’re right, the liquid form is a very strong laxative and not meant to be used regularly.

I’ve taken magnesium glycinate for sleep. I didn’t notice too much of a difference. My dietician told me it doesn’t have as much of a laxative effect because of the way it’s formulated whereas magnesium citrate draws more water into the colon, so that’s why it can help with constipation.

I hope your appointment goes well and you’re able to find a regimen that works for you.

Haha I like kiwi too, but my favorites are the golden kiwi. But I was told green kiwi had the most research. Well, what do you know, they did a study on golden kiwi in 2022 lol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9572406/.

Wishing you all the best.