Magnesium Oxide Ozonated
Also known as: Magnesium oxide, MgO, Ozonated magnesium oxide, MagO7, Magnesium Oxide
Overview
Magnesium oxide is an inorganic compound of magnesium and oxygen, widely used as a magnesium supplement, antacid, and laxative. It is commonly derived from magnesite or seawater. Ozonated magnesium oxide is a modified form where magnesium oxide is treated with ozone, purportedly to enhance its properties, though this modification lacks extensive clinical characterization. Magnesium oxide is known for its high elemental magnesium content (approximately 60%) but has relatively low water solubility and bioavailability compared to other magnesium salts. Its primary application is in correcting magnesium deficiency and, more notably, as an effective osmotic laxative for constipation relief. While standard magnesium oxide is well-researched with strong evidence for its efficacy, the ozonated form lacks robust clinical studies and systematic reviews to support claims of enhanced benefits or safety. Most evidence for ozonated magnesium oxide is anecdotal or proprietary, highlighting a significant gap in scientific validation.
Benefits
Magnesium oxide is primarily effective in managing constipation by increasing bowel movement frequency and softening stools. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated its efficacy, showing it to be comparable to probiotics and plant-based laxatives like senna, but with fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as cramping and nausea. This makes it a safer alternative for constipation management. Magnesium oxide supplementation also improves overall magnesium status, which is crucial for various physiological functions, including cardiovascular health, neuromuscular function, and metabolic processes. It has shown particular benefit in children with functional chronic constipation, as evidenced by a double-blind RCT where it performed as effectively as probiotics. The improvements in bowel function are typically observed within days to weeks of consistent supplementation. However, it is important to note that these benefits are well-established for standard magnesium oxide, and there is no high-quality evidence to suggest superior efficacy for the ozonated form.
How it works
Magnesium oxide primarily functions as an osmotic laxative. Upon ingestion, it draws water into the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and increase its bulk. This increased volume then stimulates bowel movements, facilitating the passage of stool. While magnesium is absorbed in the intestines and acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions throughout the body, its laxative effect is predominantly local within the gastrointestinal tract. Magnesium ions influence muscle relaxation, including the smooth muscles of the intestines, which can contribute to its bowel-regulating effects. The bioavailability of magnesium oxide is relatively low compared to other magnesium salts, meaning a smaller proportion of the ingested magnesium is absorbed into the bloodstream. The impact of ozonation on the absorption or mechanism of action of magnesium oxide has not been scientifically established.
Side effects
Magnesium oxide is generally considered safe when used within recommended dosages, with side effects typically being mild. The most common adverse effects include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea, which are often dose-dependent due to its osmotic laxative action. Less common side effects (1-5% incidence) can include electrolyte imbalance, particularly if overdosed. A rare but serious side effect (<1% incidence) is hypermagnesemia (excessively high magnesium levels in the blood), which is primarily a concern in individuals with impaired renal function, as their kidneys may not efficiently excrete excess magnesium. Magnesium oxide can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their absorption; these include antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, quinolones) and bisphosphonates. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment or heart block without a pacemaker. Caution is advised for special populations, such as those with kidney disease, and while pediatric use for constipation is supported, appropriate dosing adjustments are crucial.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of magnesium oxide varies depending on the intended use. For general magnesium supplementation, doses typically range from 250 mg to 1,200 mg of elemental magnesium daily. For constipation relief, a common effective dose is around 200-400 mg of elemental magnesium daily. The maximum safe dose for adults from supplements is generally considered to be up to 350 mg of elemental magnesium daily, though higher doses may be used under medical supervision specifically for constipation. Magnesium oxide can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may improve its absorption due to its low bioavailability. It is important to consider the timing of magnesium oxide intake relative to other medications, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs. There are no specific dosing guidelines for the ozonated form of magnesium oxide, and its absorption factors are not well-established beyond those of standard magnesium oxide.
FAQs
Is ozonated magnesium oxide more effective than regular magnesium oxide?
No, there is no high-quality scientific evidence or systematic reviews to support superior efficacy or safety of ozonated magnesium oxide over standard magnesium oxide. Claims of enhanced benefits are largely anecdotal or proprietary.
Is it safe to use magnesium oxide long-term?
Magnesium oxide is generally safe for long-term use at recommended doses. However, prolonged use, especially at higher doses, should be monitored by a healthcare professional, particularly for magnesium levels and renal function.
Can magnesium oxide cause diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of magnesium oxide. This is due to its primary mechanism of action as an osmotic laxative, which draws water into the intestines, softening stools and promoting bowel movements.
Should magnesium oxide be combined with probiotics?
Combining magnesium oxide with probiotics may be beneficial for overall gut health. While magnesium oxide helps with bowel regularity, it does not directly nourish beneficial gut bacteria, a role that probiotics can fulfill.
Research Sources
- http://repo.polkesraya.ac.id/2536/1/ICASH4_Abstract%20Book_FIX.pdf – This abstract from ICASH4 discusses a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing magnesium oxide to probiotics for functional chronic constipation in children. The study found magnesium oxide to be as effective as probiotics in improving bowel movement frequency and quality of life, with fewer side effects than senna, suggesting it as a viable and safer option for pediatric constipation.
- https://nbpure.com/blogs/news/what-is-ozonated-magnesium-oxide – This source provides a general overview of ozonated magnesium oxide, describing it as a form of magnesium oxide treated with ozone. It discusses its purported benefits, primarily for bowel regulation and detoxification, but lacks scientific rigor or citations to support claims of enhanced efficacy over standard magnesium oxide.
- https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/4d75ae82-d3c9-4073-8b0a-f23bceef672b/view/3f9efbd9-76f2-4594-b076-efee20ccd636/Beek_Shawn_Jansen_van_202109_MSc.pdf – This Master's thesis explores aspects of magnesium and its compounds, likely touching upon their properties and applications. While not directly focused on ozonated magnesium oxide, it contributes to the broader understanding of magnesium chemistry and its physiological roles, which underpins the use of magnesium oxide as a supplement.
- https://aglaw.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Draft-Environmental-Assessment-PY203-Maize.pdf – This document is a draft environmental assessment related to agricultural practices, specifically concerning maize. While it may mention magnesium compounds in the context of soil amendments or plant nutrition, it does not provide direct research on the efficacy or safety of magnesium oxide or its ozonated form as a human supplement.
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jacc.2005.08.067 – This abstract from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology likely discusses the role of magnesium in cardiovascular health. While it may not specifically focus on magnesium oxide, it contributes to the understanding of magnesium's broader physiological importance, which is relevant to its use as a supplement for magnesium deficiency.
Supplements Containing Magnesium Oxide Ozonated
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