Our bitterns contain liquid magnesium chloride and magnesium sulphate, both readily absorbable forms of magnesium. The best way to absorb magnesium is through your gut. Our bitterns are 30–40% absorbed, which contrasts with around 5% for magnesium oxide. They also contain smaller amounts of potassium, iodine, boron, zinc and calcium as well as trace amounts of other minerals.
One ml of Ancient Lakes Magnesium bitterns (approximately 15 drops) provides 30 per cent of your recommended daily intake of magnesium.
As their name suggests, our bitterns are very bitter! They also have a strong mineral taste because they are so concentrated. We take our bitterns in a small glass of juice or sparkling water, or add them in the morning to our water bottle to sip throughout the day.
Please consume our bitterns along with a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
What is the laxative effect?
Your gut will only absorb the magnesium that your body needs. If you take more magnesium than your body requires the excess magnesium will stay in your gut. As magnesium attracts water, this can cause a laxative effect.
The laxative effect is your best tool for determining your optimal dose of magnesium. We recommend starting with a low dose – around 10 drops per day, and increasing gradually until you experience the laxative effect. When this happens, just reduce your dose until the effect stops.
In this way you are in control of how much you take, and your body will tell you how much it needs. This may vary over time, as many lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol intake, stress etc.) influence your rate of magnesium excretion.
How much magnesium bitterns can I take?
While our bitterns are completely safe, there are recommended tolerable upper intake levels for supplemental magnesium. Please consult the table below to ensure you stay within the guidelines.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for Supplemental Magnesium
Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating | ||||
Birth to 12 months | None established | None established | ||||||
1–3 years |
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4–8 years | 110 mg | 110 mg | ||||||
9–18 years |
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19+ years |
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(From https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/)
We recommend that you discuss any form of dietary supplementation with your doctor, especially if you have any health conditions. People with impaired kidney function must consult their doctor before taking supplemental magnesium.