Anyone know about magnesium citrate? Is it basically a laxative?

[HungerlosMcMungerlos]

I've been having issues with constipation recently and I read on Mumsnet that Magnesium Citrate is good for maintaining regularity, so I bought some. Since I've been taking it I've had a bowel movement every morning, probably softer than is ideal, but for me it's better than the alternative. I was under the impression it's just a vitamin supplement so no harm done. However I've just read something that suggests it's basically a laxative and shouldn't be used daily. Is this right? I'd never be happy relying on a stimulant laxative every night, because I know the issues that can cause, and now I'm feeling a bit stupid and worried. I've only been taking it for around a week, and I'll stop now, but I'm concerned (I'm a worrier anyway) that I may have caused more harm than good to my body. Anybody know anything about it?

It’s a poorly absorbed version of magnesium but it’s fine to take. You could also try a high dose vitamin c tablet

Contrary to my username, I’ve been taking it to aid with sleep and it’s been brilliant. I can’t say I’ve had any laxative effects though (or any effect on bowel!)

If you're worried, there are lots of alternatives.

Yes, magnesium has a laxative effect.

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/magnesium-for-citrate-constipation

I take it as a laxative when needed, which can sometimes be every day in the last half of my cycle.
Why do you think it's bad to take it regularly OP?

I just would never take senokot or dulcolax or anything like that regularly, because as I understand it the body can become dependant on them which can in turn cause further constipation?

I don't think magnesium works in the same way though.

There's different forms of magnesium, the citrate form is a laxative

I've asked DH for you as he's a chemistry professor. He says it's a laxative. It's used in the medical profession to clear out bowels before colonoscopies. He checked the research and there's no evidence of specific harm caused by it's use, but it isn't wise to use it daily as it will lead to malabsorption of other nutrients.

Great, thanks. I was already taking lactulose so seems I've been doubling up. I'll stop taking it.