constipation

Question
QUESTION: I have had chronic constipation since childhood (I'm 53). I have tried everything(drinking extra water, exercise, roughage, Vit c, stool softeners, etc). Non of it worked, or if it worked had uncomfortable side effects. I do not eat sweets (except for fruit)or white flour. I found out about Magnesium and am now taking 900mg daily. It works great and I have never felt better. My concern is: Can taking this much Mag. cause problems that I haven't encountered yet?  thank you



ANSWER: Hello Deborah,

Thanks for your question.  Magnesium can be very effective for regulating bowel function.  900 mg is on the higher end of dosage, especially for extended periods of time.  Magnesium is generally a safe nutrient but keep in mind nothing is 100% safe.  Typically, excess will cause loose stools, also possible is nausea, vomiting, skin flushing, weakness, & lightheadedness.  Individuals do react differently, so other symptoms are possible.  There may be long-term effects such as causing other mineral or nutrient deficiencies, but it's not clear at what dosage that will happen.  

In health,

Dr Conner





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QUESTION: what mineral or nutrient would most likely be affected?


Answer
Most likely that would be calcium, which does compete for absorption in a normal system.  Other mineral deficiencies are possible, also.  And the effect of the high magnesium itself, in causing looser stools, may promote quicker GI transit time, which may impair the ability to absorb any nutrient.