Magnesium citrate Dosage and Timing: What Owners Report
In 66 Reddit owner comments that give an amount, the typical Magnesium citrate dose was 350 mg (middle half: 200 to 500 mg). The timing people mention most is at night or before bed (130 comments). These numbers describe what people with IBS say they take on Reddit (November 2025 to October 2026); they are not dosing advice. Follow the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medicines.
Amounts owners mention
| Unit | Comments | Typical (median) | Middle half | Most-mentioned amounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mg | 66 | 350 | 200 to 500 | 200 (11), 500 (9), 400 (8) |
| capsules or tablets | 11 | 2 | 2 to 3 | 2 (6), 3 (2), 1 (2) |
| scoops | 6 | 1 | 1 to 2.25 | 1 (4) |
Counted from amounts written next to the name Magnesium citrate in 84 owner comments (a comment can give more than one amount). Products differ in strength, so a number of capsules or scoops is not comparable between brands. Most-mentioned: 200 mg (11), 500 mg (9), 400 mg (8).
What studies and NIH sources say
- Magnesium is a primary ingredient in some laxatives, and high doses of magnesium salts commonly cause diarrhea.[NIH Office of Dietary Supplements]
- The NIH upper limit for magnesium from supplements is 350 mg a day for adults unless a doctor advises more; the risk of magnesium toxicity rises with kidney disease.[NIH Office of Dietary Supplements]
- Magnesium can reduce absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates); space doses apart.[NIH Office of Dietary Supplements]
When people take it
| Timing mentioned | Owner comments |
|---|---|
| At night or before bed | 130 |
| In the morning | 33 |
| With or after food | 19 |
| Split into two doses | 15 |
| On an empty stomach | 3 |
Phrases such as "before bed", "in the morning" or "with food" near the name Magnesium citrate.
How long it takes, according to owners
| Timeframe mentioned | Comments | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minutes to hours | 24 | 4 | 4 |
| Within the first week | 17 | 4 | 4 |
| 1 to 4 weeks | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| More than a month | 4 | 1 | 1 |
46 owner comments mention a timeframe such as "after 2 weeks", "within an hour" or "it took a month". A timeframe can describe when someone noticed a change or how long they tried it before giving up, so read it as a rough signal.
5/5 Fast-actingRegularity“My daughter called & suggested Magnesium Citrate.”
4/5“What worked for me after 7 days of not being able to go to the bathroom was a bottle of magnesium citrate.”
1/5 Pain & crampingTaste & texture“I drank half the bottle of magnesium citrate.”
In their words
4/5“I want to recommend the magnesium citrate gummies by Nature Vitality brand.”
4/5“I take 4 magnesium citrate gummies before bed every night (Nature Vitality “calm” brand) and they have greatly helped.”
4/5 Pain & cramping“You can try taking magnesium citrate at night, about 2 hours after eating, it helps relax the spasm.”
5/5“Try magnesium citrate. Take the pills or powder(in a drink) before bed. Lifesaver for me.”
5/5“Magnesium Citrate 450mg/day is the only thing that has worked for me.”
4/5“I learned from a gastro focused dietician that a clinically effective dose of mag citrate starts at 400mg and goes up to 8-900.”
Magnesium citrate overall: 4.0 from 843 owner comments.
Frequently asked
How much Magnesium citrate do people take?
In 66 Reddit owner comments that give an amount, the typical Magnesium citrate dose was 350 mg (middle half: 200 to 500 mg). That is what people report, not a recommended dose; follow the product label and your doctor's advice.
When do people take Magnesium citrate?
The timing people mention most is at night or before bed (130 comments). In the morning: 33; With or after food: 19.
How long does Magnesium citrate take to work?
46 owner comments mention a timeframe near Magnesium citrate (for example "after two weeks" or "within an hour"). Minutes to hours: 24; Within the first week: 17; 1 to 4 weeks: 4; More than a month: 4. Individual experiences vary widely.