Magnesium and Constipation in Children: What Parents Should Know

The short answer: some forms of magnesium are used in laxative medicines, but at far higher doses than a children's food supplement. A daily magnesium supplement is not a treatment for constipation. For a constipated child, the first steps are more drinks, more fibre, more movement and a regular toilet routine, and a GP if things don't improve.

Signs your child may be constipated

• Fewer than three poos in a week
• Poos that are large and hard, or small, dry and lumpy like rabbit droppings
• Straining or pain when pooing
• Tummy ache that eases after a poo
• Soiling or runny poo in their pants, which can happen when hard poo builds up behind it
• Avoiding the toilet, or a poor appetite

Why magnesium comes up

Certain magnesium compounds, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), are used as laxatives. They work by drawing water into the bowel, which softens poo. That's also why loose stools are the most common sign of taking too much magnesium. These are medicines, used at much higher doses than any children's supplement, and shouldn't be given to a child without advice from a GP or pharmacist.

Supplements are different

A children's magnesium supplement taken at the dose on the label is there to top up the diet, not to change bowel habits. Forms such as magnesium bisglycinate are often chosen because they tend to be gentle on the stomach. Our magnesium for kids is not a treatment for constipation, and we'd never suggest using it as one. For more on the different forms, see magnesium forms for kids compared.

What helps a constipated child

1. Drinks. Plenty of water through the day, and more in hot weather or after sport.
2. Fibre. Fruit (with the skin on where possible), vegetables, beans, lentils, wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and oats. Add fibre gradually, alongside more drinks.
3. Movement. Running about, walking and active play help keep things moving.
4. A toilet routine. Encourage them to sit on the toilet for a few minutes after meals, with their feet on a small stool so their knees are higher than their hips.
5. No pressure. Praise trying, not just results. A star chart can help.
6. Watch the milk. Large amounts of cow's milk can fill toddlers up and leave less room for fibre-rich food.

Fibre and magnesium often come together

Many fibre-rich foods are also good sources of magnesium: wholegrains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and green vegetables. So moving your child's diet in a fibre-rich direction often helps their magnesium intake too. See magnesium-rich foods kids will actually eat.

When to see a GP

See your GP if your child's constipation isn't improving with these changes, keeps coming back, or started when they were a baby. Constipation in children is very treatable, and GPs often prescribe a laxative that is safe for children alongside diet and toilet advice.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child is constipated and:

• Has blood in their poo
• Has a swollen tummy
• Is being sick or has a high temperature
• Is losing weight
• Is in a lot of pain

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Our magnesium
Liposomal Magnesium for Kids (Age 1+) is truly unflavoured, gentle on little tummies, and built for absorption. Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.*

*Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult your healthcare provider before use if your child has a medical condition or takes medication.