Shopping Cart
Total:
$0.00
If you’ve ever looked for a natural way to relieve constipation, you’ve probably come across magnesium oxide. It’s one of the most common magnesium supplements and laxatives on the market. But is magnesium oxide safe? And what is ozonated magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide is a mineral compound commonly supplemented, especially for its laxative effects. It works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps soften stool and encourages bowel movements. Because of this, it’s a go-to ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives.
When magnesium oxide reaches your stomach, it reacts with stomach acid to form magnesium chloride. This reaction pulls water into your intestines, softening stool and triggering bowel movement. Most people will experience the effects within 6 hours of ingestion.
Easy to find and inexpensive
Effective for short-term constipation relief and digestion
Delivers a dose of magnesium (though most isn’t absorbed)
Absorption is very low, with only a small percentage of the magnesium taken up by the body
Can cause diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal cramping
Not ideal for regular magnesium supplementation
Overuse may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, especially for those with kidney conditions
Ozonated magnesium oxide is a modified version that has been treated with ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. The idea behind ozonation is to enhance the magnesium oxide's properties, potentially by improving oxidative activity or structural behavior.
Some companies claim it has detoxifying or cleansing effects. However, there is little to no peer-reviewed research supporting its use for human health. Most studies involving ozonated magnesium oxide focus on laboratory or antimicrobial applications, not digestive health.
Not all magnesium supplements serve the same purpose. Here’s a comparison of some common forms:
Magnesium Oxide: Strong laxative effect, poor absorption, less effective for increasing magnesium levels
Magnesium Citrate: Better absorbed, often used as a gentler laxative
Magnesium Glycinate: Highly absorbable, ideal for addressing magnesium deficiency without digestive upset
If your main concern is constipation, magnesium citrate or oxide may help. But for long-term supplementation, citrate or glycinate is generally more effective.
Used occasionally and at the proper dose, magnesium oxide is safe. But overuse can lead to side effects like diarrhea, cramping, and in some cases, serious changes to fluid and mineral balance. People with kidney issues should consult a healthcare provider before using any magnesium-based laxatives.
As you may know now, there are many types of magnesium, and they are all important and can provide different benefits. If you are looking for a complete magnesium supplement, Health by Principle's is the perfect blend of magnesium citrate, taurate, glycinate, and malate to provide maximum benefits.
Magnesium oxide can offer fast constipation relief, but it’s not the best choice for long-term magnesium support. Because of its low absorption rate, much of it stays in the gut rather than benefiting the rest of the body. Ozonated magnesium oxide is still experimental and lacks solid evidence for safety or effectiveness in humans.
For most people, magnesium citrate or glycinate may be better options depending on whether you’re looking for gentle relief or consistent supplementation — especially if you're aiming to improve overall magnesium levels without digestive side effects.
Johnston, B. (2025, June 10). Magnesium laxatives: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-522-2202/magnesium-citrate-oral/magnesium-citrate-oral/details
Mori, H., Tack, J., & Suzuki, H. (2021, January 28). Magnesium oxide in constipation. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7911806/
LeBrun, N. (2024, October 23). Magnesium for constipation. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/magnesium-constipation-how-use-it
