Magnesium is an abundant mineral found in almost all plants and animals, as well as the Earth's crust. Supplements containing magnesium combined with another molecule, such as chloride or citrate, are commonly used to treat several health conditions, including constipation and magnesium deficiency. However, different formulations of magnesium have different properties and are best suited for different uses.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is formed from the reaction of magnesium with chloride and has the chemical formula MgCl2. Supplements of magnesium chloride are most commonly used to treat magnesium deficiency, reports Drugs.com. Although magnesium chloride may have some laxative effects, other forms of magnesium are more frequently used as laxatives.
Magnesium for Constipation
The most common forms of magnesium used to treat constipation are magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate, according to Dr. P. Thomas Riley of the University of Mary Washington. Magnesium sulfate is the main ingredient in Epsom salts, while magnesium hydroxide is commonly sold under the name Milk of Magnesia. All of these forms of magnesium are commonly called magnesium salts, and act as saline laxatives.
Saline Laxatives
Saline laxatives, such as magnesium salts, utilize the physical properties of salts in water to exert a laxative effect on the human body. When you ingest large amounts of magnesium salts, the salt concentration inside your intestines increases sharply. Water naturally rushes from the body into the intestines to balance out this increased salt concentration. This influx of water causes the intestines to expand and triggers bowel contractions and a bowel movement, explains the National Cancer Institute.
Magnesium Chloride Side Effects
Magnesium chloride may exert mild laxative effects on the body, similar to other magnesium salts, possibly leading to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and abdominal pain. In rare cases, magnesium chloride may trigger an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms of itching, rash, hives and dizziness. In extreme cases, the face, throat, lips and mouth may swell, which can cause difficulty breathing, warns Drugs.com.
