Magnesium supplements should be taken with meals. Taking magnesium supplements on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea.
However, high doses of magnesium from dietary supplements or medications often result in diarrhea that can be accompanied by nausea and abdominal cramping [1]. Forms of magnesium most commonly reported to cause diarrhea include magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide [12].
Now Magnesium Glycinate
It's also a form that is commonly used in research with magnesium supplements. This makes it a good choice if you need to increase magnesium levels but do not want any of the laxative effects that some other magnesium forms can create.
While there are many forms of magnesium available, we often prefer to use magnesium citrate and/or magnesium glycinate. Magnesium citrate is most helpful for people suffering from constipation, while the glycinate form is more useful for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic stress, and inflammatory conditions.
Magnesium glycinate -- Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.
People often use magnesium glycinate instead of other magnesium supplements, as the body finds it easier to absorb magnesium in this form. It is also one of the gentlest supplements on the stomach. Unlike other forms of magnesium, it might not cause as many side effects, such as an upset stomach or loose stools.
The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking to address constipation, magnesium citrate might be your best choice. If you're seeking relaxation and improved sleep, magnesium glycinate may be the better option.
Magnesium glycinate
Research on magnesium glycine indicates that people tolerate it well and that it seems to cause minimal side effects. This means it may be a good option for people who require higher doses of this nutrient or who experience side effects when using other types of magnesium.
Nevertheless, these problems are to be viewed as undesirable health effects. Cases of diarrhoea were not observed with intakes of up to 250 mg magnesium per day in addition to the magnesium intake via the normal diet. The maximum daily level applies to people from the age of 4 upwards.
Diarrhea is common after taking magnesium citrate. These side effects are usually mild and do not pose a serious risk to otherwise healthy people. Drinking alcohol along with magnesium citrate may make diarrhea and other intestinal side effects worse.
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. This product is a laxative, so it may cause diarrhea.
The time of day doesn't matter so much—it's the consistency of taking magnesium daily that matters most. While some recommend taking magnesium supplements right before bed (to calm your mind and nervous system, setting the stage for sleep), do what works best for you to ensure that it becomes a daily healthy habit.
While a healthy kidney is capable of excreting excess magnesium, a damaged kidney may not have this same advantage. Thus, individuals with heart or kidney problems (e.g., chronic kidney disease) should especially get approval from their provider before using the supplement.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Which One Is More Effective? Research suggests that magnesium citrate is four times more effective at raising serum magnesium levels compared to magnesium oxide. All-in-all, if you want to experience the robust health benefits of magnesium, citrate is typically the better choice.
Yes, you may, as magnesium citrate usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after you take it. Just remember, it does not make you poop all day long and also not immediately. This means you can drive if you've had this medicine a few minutes back.
Very low magnesium levels may cause:
Constipation.
2. Magnesium Chloride. If you are struggling with gut issues like poor absorption or leaky gut, magnesium chloride (magnesium + chloride) may be the best for you.
It is best to take magnesium supplements with a meal to reduce stomach upset and diarrhea unless otherwise directed by the product instructions or your doctor.
Magnesium Citrate (MC): Magnesium Citrate is important for gut health since it increases bowel movement and alleviates constipation. Magnesium Citrate also aids in weight loss by allowing the stool to soak, causing it to become softer and travel more swiftly through the body.