
Benefits Of Magnesium Citrate
- Treats magnesium deficiency. Magnesium citrate is a beneficial supplement for certain groups that have an increased chance of developing magnesium deficiency, specifically the older people and those with diabetics.
- Mild laxative. Magnesium citrate has laxative effects, which are beneficial in encouraging digestion. ...
- Strong bones. ...
- Prevents heart attacks. ...
What are the adverse side effects of magnesium citrate?
What Happens After You Drink Magnesium Citrate?
- Immediate Effects. Magnesium citrate works by pulling water into your small intestine, which stimulates the normal movement of broken-down food product into your large intestine for stool bulking.
- Possible Side Effects. ...
- Possible Interactions. ...
- Additional Considerations. ...
How much magnesium citrate should I take to lose weight?
Supplementing isn’t necessary if you’re hitting the RDI of 400 milligrams through food, but Frank has found that a daily supplement of 200 milligrams is a good idea for most lifters, “to help the...
Is it safe to drink magnesium citrate once a week?
Take capsules or tablets with a full 8 ounce glass of water and with a regular meal. However, higher doses may be suggested if you are using magnesium citrate as a laxative or as an antacid. Follow the label directions, and do not use it as a laxative or antacid for more than 1 week without consulting a doctor.
When should I take magnesium citrate morning or night?
You can find magnesium naturally in many foods, including:
- Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach or swiss chard
- Nuts, legumes, and seeds, including cashews, almonds, peas, and beans
- Yogurt and milk
- Tofu, soy milk, and other soy products
- Whole grains, like brown rice

Is it OK to take magnesium citrate daily?
Magnesium citrate comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and as a solution (liquid) to be taken by mouth. It is generally taken as a single daily dose or to divide the dose into two or more parts over a single day. Do not take magnesium citrate more than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to do so.
What is magnesium citrate best for?
Magnesium citrate is used to treat occasional constipation on a short-term basis. Magnesium citrate is in a class of medications called saline laxatives. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool. This increases the number of bowel movements and softens the stool so it is easier to pass.
What is the best time to take magnesium citrate?
Take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Will magnesium citrate clean you out?
You can often treat occasional constipation with over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements, such as magnesium citrate. This supplement is an osmotic laxative, which means it relaxes your bowels and pulls water into your intestines. The water helps soften and bulk up your stool, which makes it easier to pass.
Who should not take magnesium citrate?
It is not for long-term use. Anyone experiencing chronic, long-lasting episodes of constipation should avoid magnesium citrate. Using magnesium citrate regularly may cause the body to become dependent on it, making it difficult for a person to pass stools without using laxatives.
Is magnesium citrate good for losing weight?
Bust the Weight Loss Myth Magnesium citrate is not labeled as a supplement for weight loss. Because magnesium citrate is a laxative, you might believe it prevents your body from absorbing calories from the food you eat, therefore helping you to lose weight. This is not the case, however.
Should I drink water after taking magnesium citrate?
Drinking 8 ounces of water after taking magnesium citrate is important. This is because it replaces the fluid lost from the body when more water is pulled into the intestines. Because of the taste, some people find that magnesium citrate is easier to drink if it is chilled in the refrigerator.
How long do you poop after taking magnesium citrate?
Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
What are the side effects of magnesium citrate?
Common Side effects of Magnesium Citrate include:abdominal cramping.diarrhea.electrolyte imbalance.high levels of magnesium in the blood (hypermagnesemia)gas (flatulence)nausea.vomiting.
Is magnesium citrate good for sleep?
Nature Made Magnesium Citrate With 250 mg of magnesium in each serving, this supplement is a great option for those looking to increase their intake of the mineral to support better sleep.
Is magnesium citrate good for anxiety?
Magnesium citrate Most commonly used to treat constipation, this supplement is gentle on the stomach and provides fast-acting relief. Since magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, it also helps alleviate anxiety.
How much water should you drink with magnesium citrate?
Immediately after drinking Magnesium Citrate, drink at least 2 to 3 eight ounce glasses of clear liquids. Continue to drink clear liquids until bedtime. The laxative effect can begin within 1-4 hours.
What is magnesium citrate?
Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter magnesium supplement made with a combination of salt and citric acid. It is sometimes described as a “saline laxative” because it effectively works to relieve constipation and clear out the intestines. It does this by drawing water and fluids into the intestines, which lubricates stools.
Which is better, magnesium citrate or chloride?
Research shows that usually types that dissolve in liquid are better absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms. Some research suggests that magnesium citrate , chelate and chloride forms are typically absorbed better than magnesium supplements in oxide and magnesium sulfate forms.
How much magnesium is in a liquid?
A liquid magnesium citrate product usually has a magnesium content of about 290 mg per 1 fl oz (30 mL) serving. Other ingredients might also be added to enhance the taste and effects, such as potassium, lemon oil, polyethylene glycol, sodium and sugar/sucrose.
What is magnesium chloride oil?
Magnesium Chloride Oil — an oil form of magnesium that can be applied to skin. It’s also given to people who have digestive disorders that prevent normal absorption of magnesium from their food.
Why is magnesium important for heart health?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for maintaining bone density, normal cardiac rhythmicity, pulmonary function and healthy blood glucose levels. Having adequate levels is important for maintaining normal blood pressure and heartbeat rhythms, protecting against issues like hypertension and arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeats ). This is why deficiency in magnesium may lead to metabolic and circulatory changes that increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and others.
Why do athletes use magnesium oil?
Athletes sometimes use magnesium oil to increase energy and endurance, dull muscle pain, and heal wounds or skin irritation. It can also be used to soothe skin issues like dermatitis, eczema and acne.
Why is magnesium deficiency so prevalent?
Magnesium deficiency is believed to be one of the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies that affects adults, for reasons including poor soil quality, issues with absorption, and a lack of fruits or vegetables in people’s diets.
Why is magnesium citrate special?
Magnesium citrate is special because of much is absorbed after ingestion. Much of the magnesium bound to citrate remains in the gastrointestinal tract which has special implications on GI function.
What is magnesium citrate?
We need to understand what magnesium citrate actually is. Magnesium is the critical nutrient and citrate is the portion that magnesium is bound to. Magnesium can be bound to different compounds to either increase absorption, decrease absorption, or alter how magnesium gets into your cells.
Why is magnesium important for insulin resistance?
If you recall the role of insulin is to help push blood glucose (sugar) into your cells. High levels of insulin shove glucose into your cells (including fat cells) causing insulin resistance at the receptor level.
Does magnesium help with constipation?
Magnesium helps Treat Constipation. As was mentioned previously one of the most well-known benefits of using magnesium citrate is its ability to help improve bowel movement regularity. The citrate components help magnesium stay in the bowels longer, helps relax smooth muscles and helps move stool through the GI tract.
Does magnesium citrate help with weight loss?
What's important is that Magnesium can help increase the depth of your sleep and actually reduce your risk of these conditions. This may be yet another reason why magnesium citrate may help with weight loss because a general lack of sleep is also associated with weight gain (10).
Does magnesium help with insulin resistance?
Magnesium itself has a positive influence on insulin signaling (3) and may help in reversing insulin resistance . If you've spent time on my blog you know that insulin is probably one of the most common hormone imbalance leading to weight gain and weight loss resistance .
Can magnesium deficiency cause depression?
Magnesium deficiency has been associated with depressive symptoms (11). What's interesting is that this connection seems at least in part to be due to the changes in the microbiome (12) due to magnesium depleted foods. Magnesium supplementation can be used as an adjunct to other treatments for depression.
What is magnesium citrate used for?
Magnesium citrate is most commonly used to treat irregularity and occasional constipation on a short-term basis. Citroma is a common brand name for magnesium citrate laxative. Advertisement. Magnesium citrate is often used in bowel preparations prior to taking X-rays, CT scans or MRIs of the abdomen.
How much magnesium citrate is inactive?
The FDA considers magnesium citrate to be an approved inactive ingredient for oral administration in a maximum concentration of 237 milligrams for over-the-counter use, according to PubChem. Advertisement.
How long after taking magnesium citrate can you take laxatives?
Laxatives may affect how other drugs work. If you are on other medications, consume them at least two hours before or two hours after taking magnesium citrate. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or a sudden change of bowel habits that last more than two weeks.
How to make calcium citrate?
To make the solution, mix the powder with 10 ounces of cold water or other liquids and stir to thoroughly mix. If you refrigerate the solution, mix it again before use, advises MedlinePlus. Advertisement.
Is magnesium citrate soluble in water?
With 25 to 30 percent bioavailability, magnesium citrate is more readily absorbed by your body and is highly soluble in water, reports DietvsDisease.
Does magnesium citrate help with constipation?
When used correctly, you may find that magnesium citrate is a gentle and simple solution to occasional constipation. As an osmotic laxative, magnesium citrate works by increasing the fluid in your small intestine, causing water to be retained with the stool.
Is magnesium citrate good for digestion?
It is also commonly administered as a cathartic agent to cleanse the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy, gastrointestinal operation or diagnostic procedure. Magnesium citrate may also be beneficial for the treatment of upset stomach due to acid indigestion, according to University of Rochester.
What is magnesium citrate?
She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative which comes in a liquid form. It is a combination of the element magnesium that is bound to citric acid. Magnesium citrate can be bought without a prescription in a drug store.
How long before taking magnesium citrate can you take it?
Usually, taking these medications two or three hours before taking the magnesium citrate can help avoid this effect, but check with a doctor or a pharmacist to be sure. Overuse of laxatives may have some harmful effects.
Is magnesium citrate over the counter?
When there is more water in the intestines, the stool becomes softer or even watery and is easier to pass. Magnesium citrate is available over-the-counter in many drugstores under private and generic labels, but it should be used under the direction of a physician.
Does Verywell increase magnesium?
This medication can also increase the amount of magnesium in the body, but other forms of magnesium are available which have the same effect and do not act as a laxative. Brand names of magnesium citrate that may be recommended for constipation or bowel preparation include: Citrate of Magnesia.
Is magnesium citrate a laxative?
Magnesium citrate is an osmotic laxative which comes in a liquid form. It is a combination of the element magnesium that is bound to citric acid. Magnesium citrate can be bought without a prescription in a drug store. It may be used to treat occasional constipation, acid indigestion, or in prescribed amounts, it is used to help clear ...
Does magnesium citrate cause nausea?
Some of the adverse effects that people experience with magnesium citrate include abdominal discomfort, nausea, gas, and cramps. 1 There are usually mild but if severe symptoms occur, or a bowel movement doesn’t occur within about three hours after taking the magnesium citrate, it’s important to contact a physician.
Can magnesium citrate cause electrolyte imbalance?
In particular, overuse of osmotic laxatives such as magnesium citrate may lead to too much fluid loss. This can, in turn, lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially in people who have other medical conditions such as kidney disease. 3 .
What foods should I eat to get magnesium?
Before you reach for a supplement, though, you should know that just a few servings of magnesium-rich foods a day can meet your need for this important nutrient. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, leafy vegetables, milk, yogurt and fortified foods are good sources.
Can low magnesium cause diabetes?
Low magnesium levels don't cause symptoms in the short term. However, chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Too much magnesium from foods isn't a concern for healthy adults. However, the same can't be said for supplements. High doses of magnesium from supplements ...
Can magnesium be taken with antibiotics?
In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering magnesium supplements, especially if you routinely use magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives. With. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
How does magnesium citrate work?
Magnesium citrate works by pulling water into your small intestine, which stimulates the normal movement of broken-down food product into your large intestine for stool bulking. Within 30 minutes to 3 hours after taking your dose, a bowel movement occurs.
How long can you take magnesium citrate?
Follow package labeling instructions for dosing and duration of use. Don't take over-the-counter magnesium citrate for longer than one week unless otherwise advised by your physician. Pregnant or breast-feeding women shouldn't take magnesium citrate unless under a doctor's orders to do so. Magnesium citrate may worsen abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or rectal bleeding, so you shouldn't take it if you have these symptoms. If you have existing health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, taking magnesium citrate may cause complications such as disturbed heart rhythm or high levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood.
Can magnesium citrate cause side effects?
In either event, the solution is intended to empty your bowels. Aside from the intended result, use of magnesium citrate may also cause side effects. Before taking supplemental magnesium citrate, consult your physician.
Is magnesium citrate a laxative?
Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter laxative formulated as an oral liquid but also available as dissolving tablets. The primary use is as a remedy for acute constipation. Your physician may also recommend this laxative to prepare you for a colonoscopy procedure.
Can magnesium citrate interact with other medications?
Possible Interactions. Magnesium citrate contains the mineral magnesium and therefore may cause drug interactions if you take other medications. Antiobiotics, blood pressure medications, pain relievers, diuretics, medications for diabetes and some hormone replacement drugs can interact with magnesium citrate.
Does magnesium citrate cause diarrhea?
The most common side effects associated with taking magnesium citrate include diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Allergic reactions like rash, itching or swelling, blood in stool, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, weakness and severe diarrhea indicate severe side effects and you should seek medical attention immediately.

What Is Magnesium Citrate?
Types
- Other names for magnesium citrate can include Citrate of Magnesia or the brand name Citroma. The absorption rate and bioavailability of magnesium supplements differs depending on the kind you use. Research shows that usually types that dissolve in liquid are better absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms. Some research suggests that magnesium citrate, chelate and chloride f…
Magnesium Citrate vs. Chelate, Chloride Oil and Other Forms
- Magnesium citrate is only one of a number of magnesium supplement options. Here is how different forms of magnesium compare: 1. Magnesium Chelate — highly absorbable by the body and the kind found in foods like fruits and vegetables naturally. This type is bound to multiple amino acids(proteins) and often used to restore magnesium levels and prevent deficiency. 2. M…
Recommended Dosage
- The magnesium dosage that is right for you is based on factors like your medical condition, age, any symptoms you’re experiencing and how sensitive to this product you are. It’s important to always read the directions on the label of the product you use, since each product works a bit differently. Below are general recommendations for magnesium citrate dosages: 1. If you’re taki…
Risks, Side Effects and Interactions
- Magnesium citrate may have a laxative effect in some cases when taken in high doses but is otherwise considered safe for most people. That said, it’s possible for magnesium citrate side effects to occur, especially if you take a high dose for an extended period of time. Magnesium citrate side effects may include: 1. Dehydration symptoms/loss of too much body water 2. Diarr…