The types of magnesium that commonly make you poop and help relieve constipation are:
- Magnesium Citrate: A highly bioavailable form that draws water into the intestines, softens stool, and promotes bowel movements usually within 30 minutes to 6 hours. It's one of the most popular magnesium types for constipation relief.
- Magnesium Oxide: An osmotic laxative that increases water content in stool and promotes intestinal movement. It's less absorbed but effective in softening stools.
- Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Works similarly by pulling water into the intestines and relaxing muscles to ease bowel movements.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Also an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestines.
Other forms like Magnesium Bisglycinate are gentler and support digestive muscle relaxation but are less immediate or potent as laxatives compared to the above forms. Magnesium helps by increasing water in the intestines, softening stools, and supporting muscle contractions necessary for bowel movements. The time to effect depends on the type, dose, and individual factors but is generally within a few hours for the laxative forms mentioned.