Magnesium supplements fill the gap between average intake and the amount your body needs.
However, magnesium can cause diarrhea.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
Magnesium and Diarrhea
You may be wondering, canmagnesiumcausediarrhea?
The answer is yes.
The following explains how.
Most magnesium supplements are salts, meaning magnesium is bound to another molecule to help with absorption.
Magnesium is mainly absorbed in thesmall intestine.
Smaller doses may be better absorbed than larger doses.
Supplements provide high doses of magnesium at one time, which can lead to excessive unabsorbed magnesium.
When magnesium is poorly absorbed or not absorbed, it causes loose stools or diarrhea.
The body absorbs magnesium differently depending on the form consumed.
When magnesium is not well absorbed, it causes loose stools and diarrhea.
What Types of Magnesium Do Not Cause Diarrhea?
All types of magnesium can cause diarrhea.
However, some are less likely to causediarrheathan others.
When magnesium is better absorbed by the body, fewergastrointestinal (GI) issueslike diarrhea occur.
It is difficult to consume too much magnesium via diet alone.
Instead, too much magnesium is more likely to be found in high-dose supplements.
How Much Magnesium Do I Need Each Day?
What Foods Are High in Magnesium?
Grains and cereal products are often fortified with magnesium to help meet recommended intakes.
Common sources of magnesium include the following:
Adding a magnesium supplement helps ensure you meet nutrient recommendations.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
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