Calcium/Magnesium

[Sandy3]

Doreen:
I read what you have written about calcium and magnesium. I have problems with leg cramps and general muscle tenderness. The problem is alleviated when I take a cal/mag supplement (Solaray Calcium, magnesium and zinc..amino acid chelates) Problem is when I take the caps I get terrible irritable bowel..burning and pain. I even bought some stuff off TV that you mixed w/water and it fizzed. Same thing, couldn't tolerate it. The stuff I am using now is dairy free for food sensitive individuals. I don't know what to do. I need cal/mag. Any suggestions? :q:

[doreen T]

Magnesium can cause diarrhea with larger doses. On the other hand, calcium is constipating, so the two should balance each other. What dose are you taking??? The ideal dosage per pill is 333mg calcium & 167mg magnesium .. take 1 pill, 3 times a day. Normally I'd say take the third dose at bedtime, but if it's causing you distress, then best to take one pill at each meal, with food. Also make sure the supplement does not contain yeast, sugar, or starch. Effervescent mineral tablets often contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol with notorious laxative effect.

Hope these suggestions are helpful

Doreen