Nutritional Supplements

Appears in
Low-FODMAP and Vegan
Low-FODMAP and Vegan

By Jo Stepaniak

Published 2016

  • About
While some IBS sufferers claim relief from certain nutritional supplements, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins B, C, and D, there is no peer-reviewed evidence to date for the benefit of these therapies. Nevertheless, intestinal disorders can cause mineral imbalances, and limited diets can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so you might find some benefit from supplementation.

There is substantial anecdotal evidence that magnesium supplementation, particularly magnesium citrate (see Resources), can benefit IBS-C. If you want to try it, start with a low dose of 50 to 250 milligrams of magnesium citrate per day with food and gradually increase the dose as needed until good bowel function resumes. If you find that magnesium citrate is beneficial, it may take a little time and experimentation to find the right maintenance dose. A common standard dose is 400 milligrams per day, or 200 milligrams twice a day, but you might require more or less than that. There are many other types of magnesium, but they won’t all have the same effects and some may require a different dosage. If magnesium supplementation causes loose stools or diarrhea, decrease the dose or stop taking it altogether.