Using laxatives on a regular basis could affect the way calcium is absorbed in your body. Osteoporosis is reduced bone density and weakened bones, which can result from low calcium intake or calcium malabsorption. Taking calcium supplements does not have a laxative effect. In fact, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, consuming too much calcium can actually cause constipation.
Types of Laxatives
Laxatives are available by prescription or over the counter and used to treat constipation. Forms of laxatives include tablets, suppositories, liquid or powders. Examples of laxatives include castor oil, psyllium, milk of magnesia, Benefiber and Metamucil. According to MedlinePlus, magnesium oxide is also used as a laxative.
Effects on Calcium
Consuming too many laxatives can lead to nutrient deficiencies. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, stimulant and mineral oil laxatives can reduce calcium absorption in your body. If laxative use occurs over a long period of time, you will increase your risk for osteoporosis.
Eating Disorders
Laxative use is common in people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder usually associated with being underweight due to starvation, vomiting or abuse of drugs such as laxatives. According to a review article published in a 2009 edition of “Dermato-Endocrinology,” anorexia nervosa is usually associated with osteoporosis and laxative and diuretic abuse. The same article reports that signs of anorexia include fine hair growth all over the body, feeling cold, acne and skin hyperpigmentation.
Recommendations
MayoClinic.com recommends you try lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids and eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats and wheat bran before turning to laxatives for constipation relief. Doing so can also help prevent calcium malabsorption, calcium deficiency and osteoporosis caused by long-term laxative use. According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended dietary allowance for calcium is 1,000 milligrams per day for adult men ages 19 to 70, adult women ages 19 to 50 and pregnant and nursing women, and 1,200 milligrams per day for men older than age 70 and women older than age 50.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- MedlinePlus: Magnesium Oxide
- Dermato-Endocrinology: Skin Signs in Anorexia Nervosa
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Use of Laxatives: Use With Caution
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins and Elements
