Save to favorites
This feature is restricted to active members.
Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign in here.
Our Members Asked:
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Answer:
A number of supplements and foods can help treat or prevent constipation — although some traditionally used supplements may not help and some can worsen this condition.
Sign in as a member for information about supplements that may help, those that might not, and those that can cause constipation or make it worse. Supplements discussed include aloe vera juice, baking soda, berberine, beta-sitosterol, calcium, chlorella, cinnamon, fiber (including glucomannan, ground flaxseed, and psyllium), kiwi fruit powder,iron, magnesium, marshmallow root, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), nattokinase, probiotics, protein supplements, rhubarb, senna, Triphala, and vitamin D. Also, find out which fiber-containing fruits might help.
Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign In Here.
Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/
24 Comments
Join the conversation
Submit your comment
This feature is restricted to active members.
Join now to add comments and get all member benefits, including over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign in here.
Agree to Comment Terms
Please abide by the following:
- If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
- If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
- Please be respectful in your tone.
- Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will posts that exceed 2,500 characters.
For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.
Your comment has been submitted
We will review your comment before it is posted.
Related Reviews (9)
Related CL Answers (4)
Join over 95,000 Members
Find the best products with instant access to our latest tests & reviews of over 1,400 health products.
Save money by finding high-quality products at lower cost.
Stay safe with the latest clinical findings, warnings, and expert answers.
Suggest products to test.
Stay informed with our e-newsletter.
Ella21908
February 07, 20252 dates added to my breakfast also really help!
Reply to this post…
Karen20983
October 29, 2024For me, 3-4 prunes daily are excellent to add to the diet.
kathleen e kerr21020
November 04, 2024Works for me
Reply to this post…
Denise20947
October 23, 2024Eating one kiwi helps me with constipation. And they taste good, too.
Ben21799
January 30, 2025Yep, agree.
Reply to this post…
Karen20853
October 12, 2024Chickpeas are the best help for constipation for me. Other than that, a tablespoon of Olive Oil before breakfast helps too.
Reply to this post…
Laurie Tsitsivas20778
October 04, 2024Spinach causes bad constipation for me. Figs work great, but gave me cavities. So I found other ways to combat the problem, including exercise.
I used to enjoy ground golden flax in overnight oats with strawberries, but that is a time consuming routine. Pears, nectarines, avocado, and olive oil work for me, and of course certain magnesiums also work great. I never got constipated from cinnamon, the opposite, but it was with apples...apple crisp.
Reply to this post…
Teresa20110
July 19, 2024Found that daily psyllium and/or 2 kiwi fruit (with skins) does the trick!
Reply to this post…
Nancy19901
July 02, 2024Does anyone know if Magnesium Oxide is safe to take occasionally. It works for me when I take it but not sure of it’s safety.
ConsumerLab.com
July 08, 2024Please see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of our Magnesium Supplements Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/magnesium-supplement-review/magnesium/#cautions.
Howard, Oakland CA
October 29, 2024Magnesium Oxide is the only thing that consistently works for me
Reply to this post…
Linda G.19808
June 21, 2024The best thing I have ever found for constipation is rhubarb supplements. It is very gentle and works better than anything. Unfortunately it cannot be used on a continuing basis.
ConsumerLab.com
July 09, 2024Thanks for sharing your experience. We've added information about rhubarb for constipation in the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-cause-constipation/supplements-constipation/#rhubarb
Reply to this post…
Alan11056
October 15, 2023I find that about 6-8 prunes daily works for me with very little flatulence.
Michael11057
October 16, 2023Years ago, an octogenarian told me the same thing and he was right. I find that 4-5 prunes does it well. We buy non-sorbate California prunes at Trader Joe. Note: Prune juice does not contain the fiber of actual prunes.
Ellen18573
January 31, 2024Sunsweet Prune Juice is available "with pulp" i.e. fiber.
Reply to this post…
Bev11054
October 11, 20231 to 2 tablespoons of flax meal in my morning smoothie or on top of cereal helps me completely avoid constipation, and flax is so healthy.
ConsumerLab.com
October 12, 2023See our tests of flaxseed products, and our Top Picks, in our Whole, Ground, Milled, and Cracker Flaxseed Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/flaxseed-whole-ground-and-milled/flaxseed-food/#toppicks.
Reply to this post…
Michael11053
October 10, 2023I have been taking dextrin (soluble fiber) in my coffee and think it helps, though that's hardly a controlled study, especially as I eat a high-fiber diet anyway. Dextrin is widely sold in the US as Benefiber and is much more pleasant to use than psyllium -- dextrin is soluble, does not thicken, and and is almost tasteless (very slightly sweet). It would be great to see this option discussed in future CL coverage.
Margaret19825
June 23, 2024I use dextrin also, Walmart store brand. Much prefer it to psyllium. I, too, put it in coffee--can't tell it's there.
Reply to this post…
Darlene11047
July 22, 2022I'm predictably regular by taking Magnesium Glycinate -- 400 mg.
Bluma19811
June 21, 2024Yes, I’ve been better since taking 400mg of Magnesium
Charlene20991
October 29, 2024Is this a safe amount for daily usage over time? What time of day do you take your Magnesium Glycinate?
ConsumerLab.com
November 13, 2024See the Dosing and How Much Is Too Much section of the Magnesium Supplements Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/magnesium-supplement-review/magnesium/#dosing.
Reply to this post…