calcium digestive reaction - General Health Message Board

mikes · 06-02-2005, 11:17 PM

I have been trying different calcium suppliments over the last three weeks or so. They have all been in a powder or liquid form. I believe I have been dificiant in this mineral due to stress and problems sleeping, and I have had noticable improvement in my sleep and in managing my stress since taking suppliments. My question is: Can an increase in calcium intake cause a laxitive effect? I'm a 42 yr male in good health, 5'10 170 lbs eat pretty good don't smoke. I have tried three different products and found they all had a laxitive effect within an hour. According to the lable I'm taking anywhere from 500 to 1000mg of calcium per dose. Two of the products also had magnesium with a ratio of 2/1 (calcium vs magnesium). It is my belief that absorbtion is better in a liquid form, Am I right? Are some people sensitive to an influx in this mineral? I have also tried a suppliment without magnesium and had the same result. The rest of my suppliments are and have always been balanced and of good quality. I'm certian the cause of turmoil in my bowels is a direct effect of the calcium supliment(s), as it only happens when I take it (every time). Any suggestions as to what might buffer this reaction?
Thanks.

slaghorn · 06-03-2005, 07:04 AM

I've never known of anyone having this type of reaction to calcium supplements. In fact, my Dr. advised me to take calcium supplements because I have IBS-D, and calcium sometimes helps with diarrhea when larger doses are taken daily....I don't think this works for everyone, though.

Your problem may be coming from the magnesium. Magnesium can cause a laxative effect when taken. I had to buy the supplements that did not contain it. I take 600mg Calcium plus Vitamin D three times a day.

Tesss · 06-03-2005, 12:23 PM

You need the magnesium to help with absorbtion of the calcium. Otherwise you might end up with deficiancy in magnesium. Magnesium in certain formulations can cause diarrhea so why don't you try it without and take a seperate magnesium supplement. SOme varieties of magnesium are better tolerated - have a search on the internet and it will tell you which to try to avoid diarrhea.