Last update
3/23/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 24 Researches
6.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 18 Reviews
7.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 4 Capsules
Serving Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (from culture of S. cerevisiae)
50 mg
56%
Vitamin D (as D3 from culture of S. cerevisiae)
40 mcg (1,600 IU)
200%
Vitamin K (from culture of S. cerevisiae)
120 mcg
100%
Calcium (naturally occurring from Algae)
1,100 mg
85%
Magnesium (from Algae and Dead Sea minerals)
357 mg
85%
Vitamin K (as K2 MK-7)
50 mcg
+
Strontium (naturally occurring from Algae)
3.8 mg
+
Boron (from Brown Rice Chelate)
3 mg
+
Silica (naturally occurring from Algae)
2.2 mg
+
Vanadium (naturally occurring from Algae)
25 mcg
+
Raw Probiotic & Enzyme BlendLipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, [Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum] (500 Million CFU).
64 mg
+
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We explored the effectiveness of magnesium oxide (MgO) as a treatment for chronic constipation using a robust randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Over 28 days, participants received MgO, senna, or a placebo.
Both MgO and senna significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life compared to placebo. About 68.3% of those using MgO reported symptom improvement, showcasing its potential as an effective osmotic agent alongside a stimulant laxative.
Importantly, there were no severe treatment-related side effects reported during the trial.
Both MgO and senna significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life compared to placebo. About 68.3% of those using MgO reported symptom improvement, showcasing its potential as an effective osmotic agent alongside a stimulant laxative.
Importantly, there were no severe treatment-related side effects reported during the trial.
Read More
4
We explored how changing the frequency of magnesium oxide (MgO) doses influences its effectiveness in relieving constipation. In this study, we looked at 11 patients who had been regularly using MgO to manage their bowel movements and decided to reduce their daily dose frequency over two weeks.
Initially, patients were taking magnesium three times a day, but we reduced this to either two or one dose per day while keeping the total amount the same. We found that the average number of bowel movements dropped from 7.6 to 6.6 in this period. However, this change wasn't statistically significant, indicating that it may not be clinically meaningful.
Additionally, we measured stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Form Scale and noted no significant difference before and after the dosage adjustment. Our findings suggest that reducing the number of doses does not impact the laxative effect of magnesium oxide. This implies that patients can comfortably manage their magnesium intake without sacrificing effectiveness.
Initially, patients were taking magnesium three times a day, but we reduced this to either two or one dose per day while keeping the total amount the same. We found that the average number of bowel movements dropped from 7.6 to 6.6 in this period. However, this change wasn't statistically significant, indicating that it may not be clinically meaningful.
Additionally, we measured stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Form Scale and noted no significant difference before and after the dosage adjustment. Our findings suggest that reducing the number of doses does not impact the laxative effect of magnesium oxide. This implies that patients can comfortably manage their magnesium intake without sacrificing effectiveness.
Read More
9
Magnesium effectively aids constipation
We investigated how magnesium supplements affect chronic constipation through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The analysis included eight studies with a total of 787 participants. We focused on magnesium oxide among other treatment options and assessed its effectiveness in increasing stool frequency and improving consistency.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Improved digestion
5 people found this helpful
Good product! Unlike other calcium supplements, this one hasn't caused me constipation, which is essential during pregnancy. My digestive system actually feels improved.
Read More
9
No constipation effect
5 people found this helpful
This is quite effective for me. I take four tablets daily and haven’t experienced constipation, making it a very good product.
Read More
9
Helps with constipation
2 people found this helpful
Excellent! Taking just one daily helps me with constipation. I monitor my calcium levels and hope for improvement in my next scan.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 24 Researches
6.8
- All Researches
9
We explored the relationship between magnesium supplementation, defecation, and cognitive performance in elite triathletes. In a carefully designed crossover trial, participants undertook cognitive tests after taking magnesium oxide and after defecation. This study highlighted an interesting potential connection between the state of our digestive system and cognitive abilities.
We found that after magnesium-induced defecation, participants completed cognitive tasks more quickly compared to when they had not defecated. Specifically, the average completion time for the cognitive test dropped significantly after defecation when magnesium was involved. While this suggests that magnesium can aid in relieving constipation, its role in improving overall cognitive function during athletics is also noteworthy.
Although we observed an increase in cognitive performance following magnesium supplementation, it’s important to note that no significant changes in blood flow or oxygen levels were detected in the brain during the test. Instead, we noted decreased oxygen levels in the digestive region, hinting at an increased demand for energy there.
Overall, our findings suggest a potential new avenue for enhancing cognitive function in athletes through magnesium to improve constipation. However, the direct effects of magnesium solely on constipation require further investigation.
We found that after magnesium-induced defecation, participants completed cognitive tasks more quickly compared to when they had not defecated. Specifically, the average completion time for the cognitive test dropped significantly after defecation when magnesium was involved. While this suggests that magnesium can aid in relieving constipation, its role in improving overall cognitive function during athletics is also noteworthy.
Although we observed an increase in cognitive performance following magnesium supplementation, it’s important to note that no significant changes in blood flow or oxygen levels were detected in the brain during the test. Instead, we noted decreased oxygen levels in the digestive region, hinting at an increased demand for energy there.
Overall, our findings suggest a potential new avenue for enhancing cognitive function in athletes through magnesium to improve constipation. However, the direct effects of magnesium solely on constipation require further investigation.
Read More
9
Magnesium effectively aids constipation
We investigated how magnesium supplements affect chronic constipation through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The analysis included eight studies with a total of 787 participants. We focused on magnesium oxide among other treatment options and assessed its effectiveness in increasing stool frequency and improving consistency.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
Read More
9
Magnesium aids cancer patient care
We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial to assess how magnesium-L-threonate, a new compound, might help relieve constipation while enhancing the pain relief effects of opioids in patients with advanced cancer. During the study, patients receiving this treatment were compared with those taking a placebo, allowing us to clearly see the differences in outcomes.
As the trial progressed, we noticed significant improvements in the group taking magnesium-L-threonate. Notably, this treatment not only helped in managing pain more effectively but also significantly alleviated opioid-induced constipation—a common side effect of opioid use. The data indicated that patients on magnesium-L-threonate required lower doses of opioids for pain management while enjoying better gastrointestinal comfort.
Overall, our findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate is a promising option in the palliative care landscape for cancer patients, addressing both pain relief and constipation, which can greatly enhance their quality of life.
As the trial progressed, we noticed significant improvements in the group taking magnesium-L-threonate. Notably, this treatment not only helped in managing pain more effectively but also significantly alleviated opioid-induced constipation—a common side effect of opioid use. The data indicated that patients on magnesium-L-threonate required lower doses of opioids for pain management while enjoying better gastrointestinal comfort.
Overall, our findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate is a promising option in the palliative care landscape for cancer patients, addressing both pain relief and constipation, which can greatly enhance their quality of life.
Read More
9
We examined the effectiveness of oral magnesium sulfate in treating chronic constipation for children with spastic cerebral palsy. In our study, 100 children received either magnesium sulfate or a placebo for one month.
After this period, we noticed significant improvements in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency in the magnesium group, while the placebo group showed minimal change.
This treatment not only alleviated constipation but also reduced the distress of painful bowel movements for both children and their mothers.
After this period, we noticed significant improvements in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency in the magnesium group, while the placebo group showed minimal change.
This treatment not only alleviated constipation but also reduced the distress of painful bowel movements for both children and their mothers.
Read More
9
We explored the effectiveness of magnesium oxide (MgO) as a treatment for chronic constipation using a robust randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Over 28 days, participants received MgO, senna, or a placebo.
Both MgO and senna significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life compared to placebo. About 68.3% of those using MgO reported symptom improvement, showcasing its potential as an effective osmotic agent alongside a stimulant laxative.
Importantly, there were no severe treatment-related side effects reported during the trial.
Both MgO and senna significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life compared to placebo. About 68.3% of those using MgO reported symptom improvement, showcasing its potential as an effective osmotic agent alongside a stimulant laxative.
Importantly, there were no severe treatment-related side effects reported during the trial.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 18 Reviews
7.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Improved digestion
5 people found this helpful
Good product! Unlike other calcium supplements, this one hasn't caused me constipation, which is essential during pregnancy. My digestive system actually feels improved.
Read More
9
No constipation effect
5 people found this helpful
This is quite effective for me. I take four tablets daily and haven’t experienced constipation, making it a very good product.
Read More
9
Helps with constipation
2 people found this helpful
Excellent! Taking just one daily helps me with constipation. I monitor my calcium levels and hope for improvement in my next scan.
Read More
9
Constipation resolved
1 people found this helpful
Garden of Life's natural calcium has resolved my constipation problems, which I experienced with other synthetic brands. This product includes live probiotics and enzymes that aid digestion, and I’ve also found it beneficial for my teeth.
Read More
9
No constipation experienced
1 people found this helpful
This is the best calcium I have ever purchased! Unlike other brands, it doesn’t cause constipation, and I’ve seen significant growth in my nails.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Convenient with no issues
After taking this calcium for over a month, I find it convenient and have not experienced any constipation.
9
Easy on digestion
I chose Garden of Life for its organic ingredients. After two months, it has been gentle on my stomach, and I haven't suffered from constipation, which I encountered with other brands.
2
Worsening constipation
4 people found this helpful
If only the constipation could be alleviated, I'd be content, but my constipation has worsened, causing me concern about reduced effectiveness when I'm not eating.
9
Improved digestion
5 people found this helpful
Good product! Unlike other calcium supplements, this one hasn't caused me constipation, which is essential during pregnancy. My digestive system actually feels improved.
9
Constipation resolved
1 people found this helpful
Garden of Life's natural calcium has resolved my constipation problems, which I experienced with other synthetic brands. This product includes live probiotics and enzymes that aid digestion, and I’ve also found it beneficial for my teeth.
9
Helps with constipation
2 people found this helpful
Excellent! Taking just one daily helps me with constipation. I monitor my calcium levels and hope for improvement in my next scan.
0
Uncomfortable symptoms
After consuming this product, I felt uncomfortable and experienced constipation symptoms.
4
Self-adjusted dosage
4 people found this helpful
I purchased this for my parents due to its natural ingredients. It initially caused constipation, so I reduced the dosage, which helped. Each supplement has pros and cons.
9
Magnesium effectively aids constipation
We investigated how magnesium supplements affect chronic constipation through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The analysis included eight studies with a total of 787 participants. We focused on magnesium oxide among other treatment options and assessed its effectiveness in increasing stool frequency and improving consistency.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
The findings were quite promising for magnesium oxide. Our results showed that participants who took magnesium experienced a boost in bowel movements, with an average increase of about 3.7 additional movements per week. This improvement in stool consistency was also noteworthy, scoring higher on the Bristol stool chart.
While other supplements like senna and kiwifruit were explored, they didn't significantly enhance symptoms of constipation in this analysis. Therefore, we suggest that magnesium oxide stands out in this study as a worthwhile option for managing chronic constipation. But it’s essential to remember that further research could help confirm these findings and explore the effects of whole food alternatives.
4
Magnesium aids constipation relief
We investigated how magnesium hydroxide syrup affects constipation among patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction in an intensive care unit (ICU). Participants were divided into two groups: one received magnesium hydroxide syrup daily, while the other was given flaxseed powder. Our aim was to determine which treatment better supported bowel movements in these patients.
The findings revealed that magnesium hydroxide syrup indeed plays a role in managing constipation. Patients taking this syrup experienced their first bowel movement significantly sooner, averaging just under 25 hours. Although both treatments increased bowel movement frequency and improved stool consistency, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In other words, while magnesium did help prompt quicker bowel movements, it wasn't drastically better than flaxseed powder in terms of the overall outcomes.
Overall, the study highlights magnesium hydroxide syrup as a viable option for easing constipation for patients in recovery, though its effectiveness is comparable to that of flaxseed powder. The time to the first defecation was notably quicker with magnesium, suggesting its potential utility in clinical settings where prompt relief is crucial.
The findings revealed that magnesium hydroxide syrup indeed plays a role in managing constipation. Patients taking this syrup experienced their first bowel movement significantly sooner, averaging just under 25 hours. Although both treatments increased bowel movement frequency and improved stool consistency, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In other words, while magnesium did help prompt quicker bowel movements, it wasn't drastically better than flaxseed powder in terms of the overall outcomes.
Overall, the study highlights magnesium hydroxide syrup as a viable option for easing constipation for patients in recovery, though its effectiveness is comparable to that of flaxseed powder. The time to the first defecation was notably quicker with magnesium, suggesting its potential utility in clinical settings where prompt relief is crucial.
4
Magnesium laxative effectiveness diminished
We investigated how magnesium oxide interacts with acid suppressant medications in treating opioid-induced constipation.
Using a vast database of over 14 million reports, we found that combining magnesium with acid suppressants, particularly proton pump inhibitors, can actually increase the incidence of constipation in opioid users.
This suggests that while magnesium is generally a helpful laxative, its effectiveness may be compromised when used alongside acid suppressants, necessitating caution among healthcare providers.
Using a vast database of over 14 million reports, we found that combining magnesium with acid suppressants, particularly proton pump inhibitors, can actually increase the incidence of constipation in opioid users.
This suggests that while magnesium is generally a helpful laxative, its effectiveness may be compromised when used alongside acid suppressants, necessitating caution among healthcare providers.
References
- Zhu L, Yang L, Liang Z, Shi W, Ma M, et al. Association between dietary calcium intake and constipation in a metabolic syndrome population: evidence from NHANES 2005-2010. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1422564. 10.3389/fnut.2024.1422564
- Rathi A, Pagare R. Efficacy and Safety of LBSC in Drug Induced Constipation Associated With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Interventional, Parallel, Controlled Trial a Clinical Study on LBSC for Drug Induced Constipation Associated With FGIDs. Glob Adv Integr Med Health. 2024;13:27536130241286511. 10.1177/27536130241286511
- Wei CC, Harris MB, Ye M, Nicholls A, Alkhatib A, et al. Defecation after magnesium supplementation enhances cognitive performance in triathletes. Sports Med Health Sci. 2025;7:102. 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.04.001
- Watanabe N, Itano A, Ando M, Kawahara M. Effect of reduced daily magnesium oxide doses on laxative effect: a single-center retrospective study. J Rural Med. 2024;19:192. 10.2185/jrm.2023-038
- Amjadi Suraki S, Bagheri-Nesami M, Nabati M, Moosazadeh M, Habibi E. Flaxseed powder and magnesium hydroxide syrup on the intestinal function of patients with acute myocardial infarction in intensive care units. Caspian J Intern Med. 2024;15:234. 10.22088/cjim.15.2.234
- Nagamine T. Effect of magnesium oxide with probiotics on bowel movements in elderly orthopedic patients with chronic constipation: a retrospective chart review. Biosci Microbiota Food Health. 2024;43:1. 10.12938/bmfh.2023-040
- Park CW, Lee J, Hong YH, Kim YS, Suh HJ, et al. Coadministration of Lactulose with Probiotics Ameliorates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Mice. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2023;28:427. 10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.427
- Ishii H, Sawada R, Shiomi M, Shibuya K. A case-control study showing low creatinine clearance and high magnesium intake as risk factors for hypermagnesemia in older individuals. Magnes Res. 2023;36:23. 10.1684/mrh.2023.0513
- Sasaki H, Hayashi K, Imamura M, Hirota Y, Hosoki H, et al. Combined resistant dextrin and low-dose Mg oxide administration increases short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid production by gut microbiota. J Nutr Biochem. 2023;120:109420. 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109420
- van der Schoot A, Creedon A, Whelan K, Dimidi E. The effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2023;35:e14613. 10.1111/nmo.14613
- Suzuki S, Obara T, Ishikawa T, Noda A, Matsuzaki F, et al. No association between major congenital malformations and exposure to Kampo medicines containing rhubarb rhizome: A Japanese database study. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1107494. 10.3389/fphar.2023.1107494
- Kistemaker KRJ, de Graeff A, Crul M, de Klerk G, van de Ven PM, et al. Magnesium hydroxide versus macrogol/electrolytes in the prevention of opioid-induced constipation in incurable cancer patients: study protocol for an open-label, randomized controlled trial (the OMAMA study). BMC Palliat Care. 2023;22:22. 10.1186/s12904-023-01143-2
- Wu S, Jin T, Ma B, Ji Y, Huang X, et al. Oral application of magnesium-L-threonate enhances analgesia and reduces the dosage of opioids needed in advanced cancer patients-A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Cancer Med. 2023;12:4343. 10.1002/cam4.4922
- Maezawa M, Inoue M, Satake R, Wakabayashi W, Oura K, et al. Effect of acid suppressant medications on the laxative action of magnesium preparations in patients with opioid-induced constipation: A pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Pharmazie. 2023;78:245. 10.1691/ph.2023.3624
- Takemura M, Niki K, Miyaguchi S, Ueda M. Naldemedine-laxative combination: retrospective inpatient study. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2024;13:e816. 10.1136/spcare-2022-003685
- Worona-Dibner L, Vázquez-Frias R, Valdez-Chávez L, Verdiguel-Oyola M. Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes vs magnesium hydroxide in functional constipation in children from six months to eighteen years of age: A controlled clinical trial. Rev Gastroenterol Mex (Engl Ed). 2023;88:107. 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2021.12.005
- de Campos GRC, Sandy NS, Lomazi EA, Bellomo-Brandao MA. Management of children with functional constipation referred to tertiary care. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2022;98:289. 10.1016/j.jped.2021.06.006
- Rao SSC, Brenner DM. Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:1156. 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001222
- Hassanein SMA, Deifallah SM, Bastawy HA. Efficacy of oral magnesium therapy in the treatment of chronic constipation in spastic cerebral palsy children: a randomized controlled trial. World J Pediatr. 2021;17:92. 10.1007/s12519-020-00401-0
- Morishita D, Tomita T, Mori S, Kimura T, Oshima T, et al. Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:152. 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000942
- Kubota M, Ito K, Tomimoto K, Kanazaki M, Tsukiyama K, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Magnesium Oxide in Children with Functional Chronic Constipation: A Double-Blind and Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020;12. 10.3390/nu12010225
- Ohkubo H, Yoshihara T, Misawa N, Ashikari K, Fuyuki A, et al. Relationship between Stool Form and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Constipation: An Internet Questionnaire Survey. Digestion. 2021;102:147. 10.1159/000502815
- Dupont C, Constant F, Imbert A, Hébert G, Zourabichvili O, et al. Time to treatment response of a magnesium- and sulphate-rich natural mineral water in functional constipation. Nutrition. 2019;65:167. 10.1016/j.nut.2019.02.018
- Tsuji S, Horiuchi A, Tamaki M, Ichise Y, Kajiyama M, et al. Effectiveness and safety of a new regimen of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for same-day bowel cleansing in constipated patients. Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2018;81:485. PubMed
Data last updated:
