We have all been there. Perhaps it has been a day or two (but hopefully not more than a few days) since you made a bowel movement. Let's take a look at how long does magnesium citrate take to work.
At this point, you might be experiencing heartburn, bloating, fatigue, and just feeling lousy overall.
This is where magnesium citrate comes in handy.
Magnesium citrate is an essential nutrient that doubles as an over-the-counter medication for constipation.
Known for its ability to help move stool through the bowels, magnesium citrate is commonly prescribed by doctors for constipation and marketed as a laxative in pharmacies.
Whether you have just been prescribed magnesium citrate or are looking for constipation remedies on your own, you might be wondering how long the medicine takes to work.
We answer this question and more in this article, covering magnesium citrate's uses, benefits, and side effects.
What Is Magnesium Citrate?
Before we talk about magnesium citrate, let’s talk about magnesium and its different types in general.
As one of the most crucial vitamins in our body, magnesium is essential due to its support for many of our bodily functions.
However, magnesium does not occur naturally in the body, so we need to get our recommended intake through our diets.
It can be found in various whole grains, seeds, nuts, and leafy greens.
Despite its importance, many people in the Western world fail to meet their daily recommended magnesium intake through their diets.
In recent years, magnesium supplements have become popular for individuals to make up for their magnesium deficiencies.
People have sought magnesium citrate, in particular, a form of magnesium combined with citric acid, to meet their dietary needs.
A large part of magnesium citrate’s popularity is due to its ability to support digestive health.
In addition, it is absorbed better in the body than other forms of magnesium, which means it is more likely to be effective as a supplement.
For these reasons, magnesium citrate is often prescribed and used as a laxative to help relieve symptoms of constipation.
Related: Magnesium Glycinate vs Citrate
Magnesium Citrate: Benefits, Side Effects, And More
This section includes the benefits, side effects, and other useful information about the supplement version of magnesium citrate.
What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate is commonly used as a laxative, meaning most of its benefits involve supporting the digestive tract.
However, it has some additional perks that you might not know about.
Taking a magnesium citrate supplement can provide the following health benefits.
- It helps compensate for a magnesium deficiency.
- This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but a magnesium citrate supplement can prevent any health issues caused by a magnesium deficiency, including irregular bowel movements.
- It can treat constipation.
- A magnesium citrate supplement can aid digestion and alleviate constipation by increasing fluid in the intestines. Increased fluid softens the stool and allows it to pass more easily through the digestive tract.
- It can alleviate indigestion and treat heartburn.
- A magnesium citrate supplement can help prevent acid reflux by stopping acid from reaching the esophagus. (Source)
- It can help regulate calcium levels in the body.
- A magnesium citrate supplement can help evenly transport calcium throughout the body. This calcium strengthens bones, supports the heart, and helps send messages to the nerves and muscles.
What Are The Side Effects Of Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate in supplement form is generally considered safe.
However, not every supplement is for every person.
Like almost any medication or dietary supplement, magnesium citrate can cause negative side effects, especially if used in excess.
If you plan to try this supplement, you should review the following side effects.
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Imbalance of electrolytes
- Dehydration
- Rectal bleeding
Some of these symptoms, like stomach pain and dehydration, can be prevented by taking magnesium citrate with food and staying hydrated by drinking fluids.
If you have an allergic reaction or experience rectal bleeding, it is best to seek medical care immediately.
However, instances of these reactions are rare.
Related: Does magnesium make you poop?
How Fast Does Magnesium Citrate Work?
Magnesium Citrate is a temporary laxative, which means it should kick in quickly if working properly.
However, the speed at which it will actually work depends on various factors, including your body composition, the amount you take, and your hydration levels.
Generally, work can take anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours.
During that time, the magnesium citrate will enter your bloodstream and increase fluid flow in your intestines.
This helps stool move along the digestive tract so you can make a bowel movement.
For the best results, you should follow the advice of a health professional.
Do not take more than your recommended amount to speed up the digestive process.
This will only increase the risk of experiencing unwanted side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, have questions about magnesium citrate?
We can answer them here.
How Long Does Magnesium Citrate Take To Work?
Magnesium citrate can cause a temporary laxative effect and tends to work within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
It works by relaxing the muscles in the intestine and increasing blood flow to the area.
Taking a magnesium citrate supplement reduces instances of constipation and makes your bowel movements more regular. However, this is a temporary fix and not a cure for constipation.
Constipation can reoccur without treating the root issues causing your irregular bowel movements.
In addition, it is better to focus on getting your required magnesium intake through food rather than supplementing.
What Are Natural Sources Of Magnesium?
A magnesium citrate supplement can work wonders when you are in a pinch, but in reality, all of your dietary magnesium needs can be met through your diet.
If you have a magnesium deficiency, consider adding more of the following foods to your diet: all rich sources of nutrients.
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Black Beans
- Edamame
- Peanut Butter
- Brown Rice
- Salmon
- Halibut
- Avocado
- Whole Grain Cereals
- Beef liver
In addition, it is best to buy unprocessed, whole foods when trying to reach your optimal magnesium levels.
This is because food can lose some of its nutrients, like magnesium, throughout processing.
How Quickly Does Mag Citrate Work?
If taken properly, magnesium citrate can start to work as quickly as within 30 minutes.
However, it may take up to six hours before you notice a difference in your symptoms.
Mag Citrate: Closing Thoughts
Magnesium citrate is a type of essential nutrient.
The body does not naturally make it, so you must get your recommended intake through your diet.
However, many people are not getting enough magnesium in their diets, which may cause digestive issues.
Taking a magnesium citrate supplement can help alleviate these digestive issues, particularly constipation, by increasing water levels in the intestines and relaxing the intestine muscles.
This softens the stool and makes it easier to pass a bowel movement.
For this reason, magnesium citrate is often prescribed as a laxative.
While a magnesium citrate supplement can quickly fix constipation, it is not a permanent solution.
Constipation has an array of causes, and you need to figure out the root cause of your digestive issues if you want them to go away for good. If it is a magnesium deficiency that is causing your tummy trouble, it is better to get your magnesium needs met through foods rather than relying on a supplement.