Magnesium...loose stools?
 

I realize it is good to take magnesium is for the absorbtion of calcium.
Has anyone ever heard of problems with loose stools or the runs due to taking magnesium?
And another thing, what is the recommended ratio of mg to ca?

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

I thought the ratio is 1:1. and yes, magesium causes loose stools. Its what makes "Milk of Magnesia" work!

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

I have a supplement prescribed by my naturopathic physician that has 1000mg of calcium and 500mg of mangnesium per spoonful. I have to mix it with warm water. I take an extra vitamin D capsule, so I get some of that too.

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

Thanks Beckie and Elaine.
Oh yes, I have heard of Milk of Magnesia....now it makes sense...

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

Typically recommended ratio of calcium to magnesium is 2:1; but everyone is different as far as their tolerance. Magnesium oxide (cheapest and easiest to find ) definitely causes the runs. Try magnesium citrate, gluconate, or, best tolerated and absorbed, magnesium malate chelate. Magnesium helps with nerve, muscle, heart and brain function and is a TREMENDOUS help with the leg cramps that come during the chemo treatment. Also helps manage the constipation caused by the anti-nausea meds. Just experiment to find your best dose. If stools are loose, reduce slightly till they improve. These other forms mentioned above are MUCH better than the magnesium oxide. I split my dose into 3 daily portions, one with each meal. You can't absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at a time anyway, so you have to take your recommended daily1500 mg calcium in 3 portions for it to do any good. Just do the magnesium at the same time. I take 250 mg magnesium and 500 mg calcium 3x daily.

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

Really appreciate all the information everyone...

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

Now sells Cal-Mag capsules that I tolerate well. And I'm very sensitive.

Don't forget to take vit D as well, for optimum absorption.

Love
Jacqueline

Re: Magnesium...loose stools?
 

2:1 Calcium to Magnesium ratio is correct. I just went to the Osteoporosis Clinic here in Vancouver and the mistake I was making and I understand most of us make is that when they say we need 1500mg Calcium we tend to make that up in supplements, ignoring how good or poor our diet is. I found out my diet is excellent and I am getting approx 1200 mg of Calcium through my diet alone so was told to reduce my calcium/mag supplements drastically. There are problems associated with too much Calcium and we should not be taking in more than 2500mg including supplements and diet. Too much Calcium is associated with the building up of plague in our arteries, thus heart disease, not to mention that an excess if not stored in our arteries is excreted in our urine so a waste of money. When I cut back on my supplements I found my constant diarrhea has also subsided....ie less Magnesium supplementation.