magnesium
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral which is found naturally in some foods but is also available in supplement form. Magnesium is typically used by constipation-predominant IBS sufferers. If you are diarrhea-predominant then the calcium supplement Caltrate Plus would be more appropriate.
What symptoms can magnesium treat?
Magnesium is generally used to treat symptoms of constipation in irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. It is important to note that magnesium supplements are not the same as milk of magnesia. Although magnesium supplements can have a mild laxative effect they should also be suitable for long-term use, as long as the dosage is sensible, whereas milk of magnesia is a laxative for short-term relief only.
How is magnesium taken?
Magnesium supplements are available from healthfood stores in various forms, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium amino acid chelate, and magnesium citrate. They are generally available in tablet form.
REVIEWS OF MAGNESIUM
Review by Tim 
I was diagnosed with IBS-C approximately three years ago. Before then I had occasional constipation (like once a year) but then suddenly I was constipated almost every other day and could not find relief without taking a painful enema or suppository. My doctor kept recommending things like milk of magnesia, mineral oil, and a bunch of other laxatives that didn't work.
After months of suffering I discovered magnesium oxide. I was doubtful about it, but it worked - and in just four hours too. Unfortunately though at least once a week I will get constipated and the magnesium relieves me, but when I go it is diarrhea. I've just started taking magnesium citrate pills to see if they will help me stay regular so that I won't have to have diarrhea.
Review by Dani
I began taking magnesium oxide for my constipation-predominant IBS about a week and a half ago, and so far, so good. My doctor recommended I start with 750mg (three 250mg pills) twice a day - which was too much (diarrhea). I cut back to 750mg once a day, at bedtime. This seems to be the right dosage for me. I have been going almost every day since I began the supplements. I feel so much better.
I am terrified the MagOx is going to stop working, because this is the only thing that has helped me so far; I'm scared of the dependency laxatives cause, fiber doesn't work, and so much of what I've heard about Amitiza worries me.
I've been suffering from IBS for the past year or so, and regularly go five to seven days with no relief, at which time I'll have to take a laxative - which I hate doing. I am cautiously hopeful that the MagOx will continue to work so that I can live my life without the stress and discomfort of my IBS symptoms.
I also have an Activia yogurt and a cup of coffee every morning...I think this routine may be helpful in conjunction with the MagOx, but it doesn't do much on its own.
An update on Dani...
I last reviewed magnesium oxide in October 2007, at which time I'd been taking it for about a week and a half in order to treat my IBS. It's now May 2008 and I am relieved to report that the magnesium is still working for me. It has changed my life. I will keep hoping/praying that it continues to help, indefinitely. I now take four 250mg tablets once a day, at bedtime.
Review by Cheryl 
I am a former Zelnorm patient and I was devastated when it was pulled from the market. I tried Amitiza with miserable results. My latest is magnesium, 750mg at bedtime with one cap of Miralax. It is a great combination and I actually prefer it to Zelnorm. My sister does the same thing and is doing well too! I buy the 250mg tablets and take three. I am going to try taking two to see if it is as effective.
Review by Vanessa
I have had IBS-C for over two years now and I thought my life was over when Zelnorm was taken off the market. However, for the past few weeks I've been taking the magnesium supplement MagOx (magnesium oxide), in conjunction with the probiotic Theralac, and I feel fantastic!
I take two of the MagOx caplets every day and I have been completely pain, cramps and constipation free. Too much magnesium at first can cause diarrhea and bloating, so it's important to gradually increase the dosage, if needed. Of course, I still have a modified diet, but I do not feel at all deprived. I can have a little dairy and fried food here and there, without any major problems. I honestly feel like I have my life back.
Review by Jan
I've been an IBS sufferer for approximately 19 years now, some years better than others. I've found that if I take two 300mg magnesium capsules at night I can comfortably go to the toilet after breakfast at around 8.30am the next morning - completely and totally clean as a whistle, without any further problems during the day. I find the key is to always start the day with an 'empty bowel'. I've learnt that some foods, ie: dairy products, especially cheese, can gum me up, but if I take my capsules each night then I will be fine in the morning.
Review by A
I have found that magnesium oxide combined with vitamin C has helped my constipation. I have been an IBS sufferer for over six years, with severe bouts of constipation (lasting five to 10 days straight), and laxatives were too harsh or ineffective. I get magnesium oxide in a powder form and mix one teaspoon with eight ounces of orange juice (100% vitamin C). The powder tastes atrocious but the orange juice helps to mask the taste. I also drink plenty of water to aid in digestion and motility. It's a Godsend!
Review by Deirdre
I've had IBS for a few months now. I started taking magnesium supplements about two weeks ago, and it has helped a lot with the constipation. I recommend them!
Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried magnesium? Please send in your review.