Relationship: Constipation (adults) and magnesium

Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)

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Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Magnesium, particularly in the forms of magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide (commonly known as milk of magnesia), is a well-established treatment for constipation in adults. Its mechanism of action is primarily as an osmotic laxative: magnesium salts draw water into the intestines, which softens stool and stimulates bowel movements. This effect has been validated in numerous clinical studies and is endorsed by major clinical guidelines, including those from the American Gastroenterological Association.

Magnesium-based laxatives are available over-the-counter and are frequently recommended for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated their efficacy and safety when used as directed. For example, a 2019 systematic review in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate improved stool frequency and consistency compared to placebo.

While magnesium is generally safe for short-term use in adults, excessive intake can cause electrolyte imbalances or diarrhea, and it should be used cautiously in people with kidney impairment. Nevertheless, the strength of evidence supporting magnesium’s use for this indication is strong, and its use is based on both longstanding clinical practice and robust scientific data. Thus, magnesium is not only traditionally used but is also scientifically validated as an effective option for treating constipation in adults.

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Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alkalosis
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Control (countering side effects)
Body Building
Body Odor
Boils
Broken Bones
Bronchitis
Bulimia
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium Deposits
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colon (atonic)
Constipation (adults)
Convulsions
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Gastritis
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hypertension
Insomnia
Mental Illness
Migraine
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Psoriasis
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rhinitis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seizures
Senility
Shock
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Sugar Cravings
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Tachycardia
Tension
Testosterone (low)
Tetanus
Thinking (cloudy)
Tics
Tinnitus
TMJ
Tooth Decay
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Twitching
Wasting
Wheezing
Worry
Wounds and Sores

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Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

Other health conditions supported by magnesium

Products containing magnesium

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: MagnesiumFor the health condition: Constipation (adults)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

Other health conditions supported by magnesium

Products containing magnesium

Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Constipation (adults)