Finding correct Magnesium dosage

[AB8219]

Hi Everyone,

For the past six weeks, I have been taking Natural Calm, Magnesium Citrate supplement. Initially, I was just taking 1tsp, and slowly increased to the recommended 2 tsps. (351g) 81% RDA.

I started taking this as after doing lots of research into digestive symptoms that I have been having, and realising after looking at my diet, that I was very likely magnesium deficient.

I have been diagnosed by my GP as having IBS, and likely a Gluten sensitivity. Although how true the gluten part is I'm not sure, as on one day, I can eat whatever I like, but on another day, I have to steer clear.

I also take Lansoprazole 15mg per day, for acid reflux.

So onto the present predicament. I have been reading that too much magnesium, can cause loose stools. I most definitely have that! And it's recommended to reduce dose slightly. After doing this though, I have been experiencing bloating issues again. So it seems that if I stick to two tsps, I'm good with my belly/bloating, but too loose stools. Reduce it, and my stools improve, but bloating returns!

So, does anyone else take this and have any advice? I'm considering staying at two tsps, and introducing more fibre to my diet in attempt to take care of the issue.

I'm also considering, or 'trying' to stop the Lansoprazole as Magnesium can help a lot with this also. Maybe this will help the bloating too?

And to be clear, GP has diagnosed IBS, Gluten sensitivity, and is aware that I am taking a magnesium supplement and is happy with that.

Looking forward to hearing peoples experiences.

PS I was taking the two tsps at night, before bed. I have since read that I should really be taking it throughout the day so am now taking one tsp in the morning, and one before bed. This could help the loose stools situation also.

[Biglips]

Lansoprazole can cause diarrhoea. Big doses of magnesium usually required to cause diarrhoea although it begs the question have you had magnesium levels checked and do you actually need supplementation.....

[AB8219]

Biglips said:

Lansoprazole can cause diarrhoea. Big doses of magnesium usually required to cause diarrhoea although it begs the question have you had magnesium levels checked and do you actually need supplementation.....

Lansoprazole hasn't ever caused diarrhoea in the past, and I have been taking it for ~4 years. It is only since starting the magnesium that I have had the issue. Maybe it's a combination of the two? Worth asking GP this if I don't stop taking Lansoprazole.

I had a blood test just before taking the magnesium to rule out anything else, and have been told I'm okay. What we didn't actually test for though, was my magnesium level. Well, it wasn't the reason for the test therefore it wasn't mentioned specifically until a few weeks after. Apparently they need to test the cell content of magnesium which isn't part of a normal blood test? As a simple blood test doesn't accurately show magnesium levels.

Either way, GP agreed it was very likely I was deficient in magnesium, and suggested I start taking it and see if symptoms improve. Which they have, quite remarkably so in fact, but I am just having this issue with the dosage to get the best out of it, and to avoid the diarrhoea.


Just for info, here is a very brief list of issues I was having that seem to have improved quite considerably;

Tiredness during the day - good improvement
Bloating - Great improvement (apart from when I cut down dose)
Constipation - too much of an improvement!
Nervousness - Great improvement
feeling short of breath - good improvement
muscle cramps - good improvement
restless legs - great improvment

Edited by AB8219 on Monday 8th June 19:06

Edited by AB8219 on Monday 8th June 19:13

Edited by AB8219 on Monday 8th June 19:15

[12thCylinder]

Transdermal magnesium is a better option. The magnesium product is applied to the skin and gets absorbed into the blood stream. Ancient Minerals is a good quality brand. You can Google it.

[AB8219]

Thanks 12thCylinder,

I have made an order for this and expecting delivery any day now. Will see how I get on with it.