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Histamine Digest PureMAX with DAOgest– For Those with Multiple Sensitivities and Higher DAO Needs

DAO – Diamine Oxidase Enzyme – Enzyme for Histamine Imbalance (Histamine Neutralizing Enzyme)

Purest Formulation of DAO from OmneDiem 

4.8 mg of natural diamine oxidase per capsule delivering 40,000 HDU

Supports Healthy Degradation of Food-Derived Histamine

Many foods contain histamine and/or cause the release of histamine in the gut. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is the primary enzyme responsible for degrading dietary histamine in the GI tract.

Some people don’t produce a sufficient amount of Diamine Oxidase (DAO).

In that case, providing an outside source of DAO such as the nutrition supplement Histamine Digest PureMAX may provide relief of symptoms from excessive histamine levels.

Histamine Digest PureMAX contains a patented form of DAO that releases the enzyme in the small intestine where it acts directly on dietary histamine.

(According to the International Society of DAO Deficiency, the main cause of the enzymatic dysfunction is a person’s genetics.)

How is OmneDiem Histamine Relief PureMAX Different From Omne Diem Histamine Digest?

Histamine Relief PureMAX contains 40,000 HDU of diamine oxidase per capsule vs Histamine Digest which contains 20,000 HDU diamine oxidase per capsule.

Histamine Relief PureMAX does not contain Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate) or catalase, both of which are in the regular Histamine Digest DAO product. The omission of these extra ingredients makes Histamine Relief PureMAX the preferred form of DAO for sensitive individuals.

Both Histamine Relief PureMAX and Histamine Digest have designed release capsules that ensure delivery to the small intestine.

Per the manufacturer OmneDiem, regarding their 2024 reformulation of Histamine Digest PureMAX:

“Diamine oxidase, like other enzymes, is a delicate molecule that is most active when it is kept away from extreme environments, heat and humidity being two examples. By keeping diamine oxidase’s specific needs in mind, we’ve been able to customize the manufacturing process keeping it more stable and more active during extraction to yield an increased enzymatic activity and more HDU. It is thanks to these improvements in manufacturing that we can obtain a higher enzymatic activity out of the same amount of starting material.”

What are some symptoms of histamine intolerance?

The ingestion of histamine-rich food or of alcohol or drugs that release histamine or block DAO may provoke diarrhea, headache, rhinoconjunctival symptoms, asthma, hypotension, arrhythmia, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, and other conditions in patients with histamine intolerance.
— From the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

DAO Enzyme is Clinically Tested to Break Down Dietary Histamines

The DAO enzyme has been clinically tested and found to break down food-derived histamine in the digestive tract.

DAO is not absorbed and does not have systemic activity. Click to see the biochemistry of how DAO helps break down histamine.

Is Histamine Intolerance the Same as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

Histamine Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome are different, but related.

In Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, a condition when body’s innate immune system is hyperactive, mast cells release many different chemical mediators, with histamine being just one of them.

More Information – Great Resources About Histamine Intolerance

Histamine Intolerance & Mast Cell Activation Flow Chart – triggers and symptoms – from www.histamine-intolerance.info

International Society of DAO Deficiency – everything from what DAO deficiency is, its origins, foods high in histamines, foods which interfere with histamine metabolism (including DAO-blocking foods), latest international research

Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI) – information about histamine related disorders (histaminosis) — including cooking tutorials, recipes, and links to apps for histamine food values.

Note: Histamine Digest PureMAX does not manage or address antibody-related or IgE-related food allergies.

From OmneDiem®

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With PepZin GI (zinc-carnosine), Mastic Gum and Slippery Elm botanicals
Nutrition for Gastric Health Support, Comfort 

GI Guard  is a formulation for GI health combining the clinically studied ingredient, PepZin GI® with time-tested mastic gum and slippery elm botanicals as well as the antacid calcium carbonate.

A Healthy Mucosal Lining is Foundational

GI Guard is designed to help support the integrity of the lining of the GI tract and provide gastric comfort.

The stomach’s protective mucin barrier must be intact in order to protect the stomach. The epithelial cells lining the GI tract have a very rapid turnover rate and require a continuous supply of nutrients for regeneration.

About PepZin GI (zinc-carnosine)

Clinical studies have demonstrated that PepZin GI can help to support GI health and promote gastric comfort such as occasional heartburn, nausea, bloating and upset stomach. Pepzin GI has been used in Japan since the 1990’s to support GI health.

PepZin GI promotes normal mucous secretion, combats free radicals, and supports stable cell membranes. Its cytoprotective and tissue repairing actions in the gut have been clinically studied.

PepZin GI® helps to maintain the integrity of the stomach lining and its proper immune responses to the typically harsh gastric environment.

In addition, PepZin GI supports a healthy gastric microbial balance and the lining throughout the GI tract.

Zinc-carnosine supports the natural protective mechanisms in the GI tract without suppressing stomach acid production or neutralizing it, or otherwise interfering in the normal digestive process.

Did you know that the much maligned stomach acid is necessary for proper protein digestion, mineral absorption and vitamin absorption, and to kill pathogens?

Clinical studies demonstrate endoscopically that PepZin GI can help to support GI health, with demonstrable effects within 4-8 weeks.

For more information on PepZin GI:

• PepZin GI website
• Zinc-Carnosine (single ingredient) supplement

About Mastic Gum

Mastic, the resin of Pistacia lentiscus, a shrub of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) has been used as a medicine since antiquity. It continues to be used in traditional folk medicine. In fact, Hippocrates wrote that the mastic is good for prevention of digestive problems and colds!

Today mastic is used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, respiratory conditions, muscle aches, and to improve circulation. Also, it is used for bacterial and fungal infections and may help decrease inflammation in the intestinal tract.

According to the Natural Medicines database, “Clinical research suggests that taking mastic gum 350 mg orally three times daily for 3 weeks improves symptoms, including general stomach pain, stomach pain when anxious, heartburn, and upper abdominal pain, in a greater percentage of patients with functional dyspepsia compared with placebo.”

Mastic gum has also been found to be helpful with symptoms and healing of gastric ulcers.

Because of its gummy consistency, mastic gum is used in some food products like chewing gum, ice creams, sauces, jams, desserts, puddings and cakes.

About Slippery Elm

The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is well known for its help in soothing sore throats (it’s used in throat lozenges). But it can also stimulate protective mucous secretion to support stomach and intestinal health!

Slippery elm is used traditionally to treat inflammation of the digestive system.

About Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate works by binding to and neutralizing excess acid produced by the stomach. It provides instant, quick relief of the pain and discomfort of indigestion, heartburn and other symptoms that may be related to excess stomach acid.

GI Guard can be taken in the morning and evening. When taken in the evening it is often paired with a melatonin supplement.

PepZin GI® is a registered trademark of Hamari Chemicals, Ltd.

GI Guard is from Protocol for Life Balance.

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Zinc-Carnosine – Gastro-Supportive and Gastric-Comfort Nutrients
Nutritional Support for Stomach, Intestinal Health and Comfort

Zinc-Carnosine is clinically shown to help relieve mild gastric discomforts. These include occasional heartburn, nausea, bloating and upset stomach.

Zinc-Carnosine protects and stabilizes the gastric and intestinal mucosal lining and supports a healthy gastric microbial balance. Research studies have also demonstrated that it supports healthy intestinal permeability.

Zinc-Carnosine is a unique nutrition supplement because it supports the natural protective mechanisms in the GI tract without suppressing stomach acid production or neutralizing it, or otherwise interfering in the normal digestive process.

Healthy Mucosal Lining is Foundational

It’s critical that the stomach and GI tract’s protective mucin barrier be intact — for protection, health and comfort.

Your GI tract maintains itself continuously. The epithelial cells lining the GI tract are constantly regenerating. New cells replace old cells. The cells have a very rapid turnover rate. The new cells require a continuous supply of nutrients including zinc for regeneration.

Clinical trials have shown endoscopically demonstrable effects with Zinc-Carnosine within 4-8 weeks.

The efficacy and safety of Zinc-Carnosine has been demonstrated in numerous published, controlled clinical trials in humans. Some studies are based on improvement in symptoms, but many studies also included endoscopic studies.

Most of the clinical trials of Zinc-Carnosine used 37.5-75 mg. twice daily (before breakfast and at bedtime) for 8 weeks.

Each capsule of Integrative Therapeutics Zinc-Carnosine contains 75 mg. of Zinc-Carnosine, PepZin GI® brand, which is about 16 mg. of elemental zinc. 

Zinc-Carnosine has a proven long track record.

Zinc-Carnosine has been successfully used in Japan since the 1990’s to support mucosal integrity, gastrointestinal immune defense, and occasional indigestion.

More About the Important Role of Stomach Acid

The stomach maintains an acidic pH. This proper acidic pH helps to activate protein-digesting enzymes and promote microbial defense from pathogens in food and our environment, all critical to good health. Stomach acid is also necessary for absorbing minerals (calcium iron, zinc), and vitamins (folate and Vitamin B12.)

Where the challenge arises, is simultaneously shielding the stomach’s epithelial tissues against harsh, but necessary acidic conditions! This is where Zinc-Carnosine has shown to help.

Stomach acid is not the villain that it is often made out to be!

Zinc is an Essential Mineral Throughout the Body

In addition to it’s role in the GI tract, zinc is a component of more than 300 enzymes. The body needs these enzymes for tissue repair, for functions in the reproductive system, to synthesize protein, to preserve vision and to boost immunity, among other functions. Zinc also has antioxidant properties.

Zinc-Carnosine combines L-carnosine (a naturally occurring combination of 2 amino acids – beta-alanine and L-histidine) with elemental zinc.

Distributed by Integrative Therapeutics.

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Highest Potency Vegetarian Digestive Enzymes Supplement

Comprehensive Digestive Enzymes and Probiotic Formula for Optimal GI Support

Critical Digestion represents a very potent digestive enzyme blend. The formula utilizes high potency plant-based enzymes and beneficial probiotics. They provide critical digestive support and help to reestablish healthy gut microorganisms.

Its comprehensive panel of digestive enzymes aids healthy digestion and optimizes nutrient absorption from macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Digestive Enzymes Help Unlock the Energy and Nutrition from Food

Besides enjoying what we eat, food provides the energy that humans use to function. Enzymes are an essential part of this process — necessary for digestion and metabolism.

If our bodies can’t unlock the energy from food, then we can’t properly nourish our bodies!

The Body’s Response to Insufficient Digestive Enzymes – Gas and Inflammation

When digestive enzymes are insufficient*, undigested food passes into the large intestine, often resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like gas.

You might be surprised that the undigested food doesn’t go to waste! In fact, the intestinal flora take advantage of it. They use it for their own source of nutrition!

Gassiness is a side effect of bacterial digestion and yeast fermentation.  The excess production of gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane commonly result in uncomfortable symptoms.

In addition to the discomfort, this scenario can also drive an imbalance in the gut flora composition and even damage the lining of the gut. The body’s response is often inflammation.

Critical Digestion —  A Supplemental Source of Key Digestive Enzymes

When you are not making enough digestive enzymes on your own, Critical Digestion can provide the support your body needs. In addition, Critical Digestion contains probiotics that can help reestablish healthy gut flora, support regularity and aid the immune system. The probiotics also fuel the digestive system by producing additional lactase, protease and amylase enzymes, and manufacture some essential vitamins.

Critical Digestion is a full spectrum digestive formula that helps digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also contains some enzymes for digesting gluten, dairy, and vegetable fibers, and dietary fibers.

Digestive Enzymes and Detoxification

According to Walter Crinnion, ND, digestive enzymes can also help reduce and increase the elimination of toxins in your body. I’d like to share with you Dr. Crinnion’s article, “Digestive Enzymes and Detoxification.”  . In a very understandable way, he explains how digestive enzymes can help reduce the toxic load so many of us carry around.

Digestive Enzymes for Food Intolerances

If you are looking for a digestive enzyme nutritional supplement that is specifically formulated to help people with a problem digesting gluten, dairy, casein and/or phenol you might try Intolerance Complex.

*(A healthy diet that includes raw foods is a good source of enzymes, however, if we don’t get enough enzymes from food and if our body does not make enough of them, common as we get older, our bodies can have an insufficient amount of them available for proper digestion.)

Manufactured by Enzyme Science

Digestive Enzyme Comparison Chart

How to Decide Which Digestive Enzyme to Use

Many people begin with Complete Digestion as it provides a “good coverage” of digestive enzymes for a reasonable price.

If they require a more potent digestive enzyme (more proteases, amylases lipases and across the board more other enzymes), they then try Critical Digestion.

People with specific food sensitivities often utilize Intolerance Complex in situations when they are unable to avoid foods they have trouble digesting or are eating out and not exactly sure how their meal is prepared.

The post Critical Digestion – Digestive Enzymes, Highest Potency appeared first on The Nutrition Supplement Dietitian.

DAO – Diamine Oxidase Enzyme – Enzyme for Histamine Imbalance

Omne Diem® Histamine Digest — The Histamine Neutralizing Enzyme with DAOgest
Supports Healthy Degradation of Food-Derived Histamine

Many foods contain histamine and/or cause the release of histamine in the gut. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is the primary enzyme responsible for degrading dietary histamine in the GI tract.

Some people don’t produce a sufficient amount of Diamine Oxidase (DAO).

In that case, providing an outside source of DAO such as the nutrition supplement Histamine Digest (formerly labeled Umbrellux DAO2) may provide relief of symptoms from excessive histamine levels.

Histamine Digest contains a patented form of DAO that releases the enzyme in the small intestine where it acts directly on dietary histamine.

(According to the International Society of DAO Deficiency, the main cause of the enzymatic dysfunction is a person’s genetics.)

Histamine Digest is an advanced second-generation formulation of DAO (DAOgest)with catalase and ascorbyl palmitate  (vitamin C) to enhance activity. DAO is delivered with a patented Designed Release capsule that releases in the small intestine where DAO acts directly on the dietary histamine to support digestive health and comfort.

NOTE: Some very sensitive individuals prefer another DAO product from Omne DIEM – Histamine Digest PureMAX, as it does not contain catalase or vitamin C.

What are some symptoms of histamine intolerance?

The ingestion of histamine-rich food or of alcohol or drugs that release histamine or block DAO may provoke diarrhea, headache, rhinoconjunctival symptoms, asthma, hypotension, arrhythmia, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, and other conditions in patients with histamine intolerance.
— From the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

DAO Enzyme is Clinically Tested to Break Down Dietary Histamines

The DAO enzyme has been clinically tested and found to break down food-derived histamine in the digestive tract.

DAO is not absorbed and does not have systemic activity. Click to see the biochemistry of how DAO helps break down histamine.

Is Histamine Intolerance the Same as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

Histamine Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome are different, but related.

In Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, a condition when body’s innate immune system is hyperactive, mast cells release many different chemical mediators, with histamine being just one of them.

More Information – Great Resources About Histamine Intolerance

Histamine Intolerance & Mast Cell Activation Flow Chart – triggers and symptoms – from www.histamine-intolerance.info

International Society of DAO Deficiency – everything from what DAO deficiency is, its origins, foods high in histamines, foods which interfere with histamine metabolism (including DAO-blocking foods), latest international research

Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI) – information about histamine related disorders (histaminosis) — including cooking tutorials, recipes, and links to apps for histamine food values.

Note: Histamine Digest does not manage or address antibody-related or IgE-related food allergies.

From Omne Diem®.

The post Histamine Digest with DAOgest™ – formerly Umbrellux DAO2 appeared first on The Nutrition Supplement Dietitian.

Intolerance Complex – Multiple Food Intolerances Support

Food Intolerance Digestive Enzymes – Support for Gluten, Dairy, Lactose, Casein, Phenol Digestion and More

Food intolerance is the result of impaired digestion due to a lack of digestive enzymes. Without the required enzymes, the body is unable to properly break down the foods we eat.  Food intolerance typically manifests in the digestive tract as diarrhea, cramping, bloating, gas or upset stomach.

Food intolerance is different from food allergies. Food intolerance is not life threatening, but is uncomfortable and may undermine nutritional health.

Identifying the particular foods that cause sensitivity, and eliminating or reducing them from your diet, is a primary goal for addressing adverse food reactions. However, enzyme supplementation in combination with dietary modification (eliminating the foods that are troublesome) is a good complementary practice that provides digestive support.

It’s not always practical or possible to eliminate all foods to which you are sensitive; restaurant meals and processed foods often contain trigger foods of which you may not be aware. Enzyme supplementation can assist and enhance the digestion of foods. Digestive enzymes can both minimize problematic GI symptoms, and make more nutrients available to nourish your body.

Intolerance Complex contains digestive enzymes that provide support for most common food sensitivities and intolerances:

• Gluten – a protein composite found in grass-related grains such as: wheat and wheat products (bulgur, durum flour, farina, graham flour, kamut, semolina and spelt), rye, triticale (wheat and rye cross), and  barley (including food and drinks with malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar). Sometimes oats contain gluten due to cross contamination during processing. Gluten can be found in beer, soy sauce, as a food additive (stabilizing agent, e.g. ice cream and ketchup), and in imitation meats that are vegetarian alternatives. Incidence of gluten intolerance may be increasing.

• Lactose – a sugar naturally found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance affects millions of Americans.

• Casein – a dairy protein that is a major component of cheese. Casein has a similar molecular structure to gluten!

• Phenol – phenolic compounds exist naturally in fruits and vegetables, berries, tea, beer, olive oil, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, popcorn, cider, vinegars, herbs, spices, nuts. Synthetic phenolic compounds are commonly used as food additives.

Intolerance Complex also contains proteases, amylases, and lipases — digestive enzymes for proteins, carbohyrates and fats.

See Ingredient Tab for detailed breakdown of enzymes in Intolerance Complex.

As Intolerance Complex does not contain probiotics, many people complement it with a separate probiotic supplement.

Digestive Enzymes and Detoxification

Digestive enzymes can also help reduce and increase the elimination of toxins in your body, especially if you have food intolerances. “Digestive Enzymes and Detoxification,” by Walter Crinnion, ND explains how digestive enzymes can help reduce the toxic load so many of us carry around.

Manufactured by Enzyme Science.

Digestive Enzyme Comparison Chart -Click for PDF of Table

How to Decide Which Digestive Enzyme to Use 

Many people begin with Complete Digestion as it provides a “good coverage” of digestive enzymes for a reasonable price.

If they require a more potent digestive enzyme (more proteases, amylases lipases and across the board more other enzymes), they then try Critical Digestion.

People with specific food sensitivities often utilize Intolerance Complex in situations when they are unable to avoid foods they have trouble digesting or are eating out and not exactly sure how their meal is prepared.

The post Intolerance Complex Digestive Enzymes appeared first on The Nutrition Supplement Dietitian.

Boswellia for Advanced Lung, Bronchial, Intestinal and Joint Support

Standardized, Extra Strength Boswellia 

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), also known as frankincense, has been a vital component of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Modern research confirms that boswellia effectively reduces inflammation in the body such as in the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Scientists say that boswellia helps moderate inflammation via its action upon the 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme, part of an inflammatory pathway.

How is BosPro Different from Other Boswellia Supplements?

• BosPro Boswellia is purified and optimized to provide more boswellic acids (AKBA – Acetyl-11-keto-B-boswellic acids) that are anti-inflammatory .
• BosPro has up to 10 times more anti-inflammatory AKBA than unstandardized boswellia.
• BosPro contains less boswellic acids (BBA- beta-boswellic acids) that are inflammatory.
• BosPro has less than 5% BBA vs unstandardized boswellia.
• BosPro provides 500 mg. of this clinically-researched form of boswellia, used in studies around the world.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a normal protective response of the body to injury and infection. When the process works “properly” the inflammation subsides once things are healed.

However, many of our modern western diseases are conditions where the human inflammatory response has gone awry. These chronic conditions include asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimers, depression and obesity.

In addition to making changes in our diets, reducing emotional stress and environmental stressors, taking a highly potent boswellia product like BosPro can help get our inflammation “reflex” back into balance.

Read research about the anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia.

BosPro is commonly paired with the CuraPro, a highly absorbable curcumin.

The post BosPro Boswellia for Inflammation – Lung, Bronchial, Gut Support appeared first on The Nutrition Supplement Dietitian.

Full Spectrum Digestive Enzymes Supplement (Vegetarian)

Digestive Enzymes Formula to Support Digestion, Intestinal Well-being

Complete Digestion provides digestive support with a synergistic blend of plant-based digestive enzymes to help the body digest and assimilate nutrients.

Healthy digestion facilitates your body’s ability to utilize nutrients and is necessary for a healthy intestinal environment.

If you have poor digestion, symptoms might include intestinal disturbances like: gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, distention, and irregularity.

Why Might You Need a Digestive Enzyme Supplement?
Don’t Our Bodies Make Digestive Enzymes?

Yes, our bodies naturally produce our own digestive enzymes, but this naturally decreases as we age, with certain medical conditions, or if the cells lining your gut are damaged.

(Raw foods also contribute some enzymes which help.)

If your food is not digested fully:

• The undigested food may pass into the large intestine.
• The bacteria and yeast in your gut uses the undigested food to nourish themselves.
• The by-products of bacterial digestion and yeast fermentation (hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane gas) can produce very uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating, indigestion and irregularity.
• The undigested food and by-products can trigger an inflammatory response which may damage the gut lining, creating a vicious cycle.

Complete Digestion contains enzymes that encourage a healthy digestion of proteins, fats, fibers and carbohydrates, in addition to promoting an optimally functional GI tract.

Support for Gluten, Casein, Lactose Digestion, and More

Complete Digestion also contains enzymes to support breaking down food components that are a common digestive challenge. For example, it includes enzymes that help break down gluten, casein and lactose (found in dairy), phenols, and plant fibers and components of plant cell walls (fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains).

In addition, it contains a probiotic blend with beneficial bacteria to help keep the composition of your gut microbes well balanced. Probiotics have been found to support regularity, aid the immune system, produce additional digestive enzymes, manufacture essential vitamins such as B and K, and promote an environment where beneficial microflora thrive and pathogenic organisms are unwelcome. (125 million CFU’s of probiotics is a moderate amount; many people take a dedicated probiotic supplement in addition.)

Digestive Enzymes Can Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification Processes

Digestive enzymes can also help reduce and increase the elimination of toxins in your body. I’d like to share with you “Digestive Enzymes and Detoxification,”  by Walter Crinnion, ND. In a very understandable way, he explains how digestive enzymes can help reduce the toxic load so many of us carry around.

Read my web page about Digestive Enzymes.

Digestive Enzyme Comparison Chart -Click for PDF of Table

How to Decide Which Digestive Enzyme to Use

Many people begin with Complete Digestion as it provides a “good coverage” of digestive enzymes for a reasonable price.

If they require a more potent digestive enzyme (more proteases, amylases lipases and across the board more other enzymes), they then try Critical Digestion.

People with specific food sensitivities often utilize Intolerance Complex in situations when they are unable to avoid foods they have trouble digesting or are eating out and not exactly sure how their meal is prepared.

Manufactured by Enzyme Science

The post Complete Digestion 90 ct- Full Spectrum Digestive Enzymes appeared first on The Nutrition Supplement Dietitian.

Healthy Elimination, Overall Health
Helps Relax GI Tract, Stimulates Bowel Movements

Highly Absorbable and Bioavailable Chelated Form of Magnesium
Needed for Hundreds of Biochemical Processes in the Body

Magnesium (Mg) is a mineral that activates (catalyzes) hundreds of enzymes necessary for most chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium is present in every tissue in our bodies.

When taking a magnesium dietary supplement, it should be in a highly bioavailable and absorbable form (chelated), such as magnesium citrate.

Magnesium — Important Throughout the Body

Magnesium is essential for electrical activity, neuromuscular contractions, cardiac function (heart rhythm), transmitting nerve signals, metabolism, producing and transporting energy, synthesizing proteins, utilizing nutrients, regulating acid-alkaline balance (bone health), and smooth and skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation.

Magnesium does most of its work in the “background” in our bodies without us knowing it.

However, when it comes to healthy bowel elimination, magnesium’s effects can be more evident. People who suffer from constipation usually see a “before and after” effect from taking magnesium. I work with clients to help them personalize their own dosage.

Prevalence of Constipation in the US

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, service of NIH, constipation is one of the most common GI problems in the US, affecting an estimated 42 million people, more than 1 out of 7 people.

“Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week or has bowel movements with stools that are hard, dry, and small, making them painful or difficult to pass. People may feel bloated or have pain in their abdomen—the area between the chest and hips. Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. Bowel movements may occur three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.”

There is a wide individual variation in frequency of bowel movements, and what is considered “normal.”

When people feel like they are not “going” regularly, they often try to “get things going” by modifying their diets. They might eat more foods high in fiber like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit, or try eating stewed prunes or prune juice. (Interestingly, these foods are also high in magnesium.) Depending on the underlying reason for the constipation, increasing fiber can help, but it can also make things worse for some people.

Another strategy is to hydrate more (not coffee or regular teas which are caffeinated and can be dehydrating) and increase gentle physical activities.

Sometimes people take a magnesium supplement to support healthy elimination. Magnesium citrate stimulates elimination by drawing fluid into the small intestine. Magnesium also helps the body relax, including the musculature involved with bowel movements.

If uncomfortable symptoms persist or before constipation becomes severe or serious, it’s best for a person to contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Taking Magnesium at Bedtime

Magnesium is a relaxing mineral and many people find that it supports their sleep. It can also help with general muscle tension, leg cramps, and restless legs.

Groups at Risk of Magnesium Inadequacy – According to NIH

“Magnesium inadequacy can occur when intakes fall below the RDA but are above the amount required to prevent overt deficiency. The following groups are more likely than others to be at risk of magnesium inadequacy because they typically consume insufficient amounts or they have medical conditions (or take medications) that reduce magnesium absorption from the gut or increase losses from the body.

People with gastrointestinal diseases
The chronic diarrhea and fat malabsorption resulting from Crohn’s disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac disease), and regional enteritis can lead to magnesium depletion over time. Resection or bypass of the small intestine, especially the ileum, typically leads to malabsorption and magnesium loss.

People with type 2 diabetes
Magnesium deficits and increased urinary magnesium excretion can occur in people with insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes. The magnesium loss appears to be secondary to higher concentrations of glucose in the kidney that increase urine output.

People with alcohol dependence
Magnesium deficiency is common in people with chronic alcoholism. In these individuals, poor dietary intake and nutritional status; gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and steatorrhea (fatty stools) resulting from pancreatitis; renal dysfunction with excess excretion of magnesium into the urine; phosphate depletion; vitamin D deficiency; acute alcoholic ketoacidosis; and hyperaldosteronism secondary to liver disease can all contribute to decreased magnesium status.

Older adults
Older adults have lower dietary intakes of magnesium than younger adults. In addition, magnesium absorption from the gut decreases and renal magnesium excretion increases with age. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic diseases or take medications that alter magnesium status, which can increase their risk of magnesium depletion.” — from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

(Click for Full Magnesium Fact Sheet from NIH)

Everything You Want to Know About Magnesium

If you’d like to learn more about of magnesium and the scientific literature behind it, I recommend The Magnesium Miracle, by Carolyn Dean, MD, ND.

Made in the US by Pure Encapsulations, Sudbury, MA.

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