Quick Facts
- Constipation is common and often linked to low fiber, low fluids, or certain medicines.
- Supplements can support relief when food and water changes are not enough.
- Magnesium, fiber, and osmotic or stimulant products work in different ways.
- Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
- Long-term use of strong laxatives should only be done with medical guidance.
Constipation can affect comfort, mood, and daily life. For many people, more water, more movement, and added fibre help. But sometimes, you need targeted support from the best supplements for constipation.
The products below are based on current evidence and real-world use. They can also fit alongside broader diet changes, such as adding fibre-rich smoothies (see best liquid for smoothies) or gut-friendly ingredients, as often discussed in best apple cider vinegar pills for weight loss.
| Supplement | Type | Best For | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solgar Magnesium Citrate | Magnesium salt | Overall relief | Draws water into bowel |
| Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber | Psyllium fiber | Daily bulk-forming support | Adds bulk, softens stool |
| Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed | Ground seed | Food-based option | Fiber plus healthy fats |
| FiberCon Fiber Therapy | Calcium polycarbophil | Fiber in capsule form | Bulk-forming laxative |
| MiraLAX Mix-In Powder | Osmotic | Short-term relief | Pulls water into colon |
Solgar Magnesium Citrate – Best Overall
Type: Magnesium citrate (capsules)
Solgar Magnesium Citrate is one of the most trusted options for constipation. Magnesium citrate works as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the bowel and helping stool move more easily.
Each capsule contains 210 mg of magnesium citrate. Many people notice improved regularity and less straining when they use it as directed.
- Often taken as 2 capsules daily (follow the label and your doctor’s advice).
- It can be gentler than some stimulant laxatives.
- Not suitable for everyone, especially those with kidney or heart problems or people on certain medicines.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before taking supplements that bring your total intake to or above 1,000 mg per day.
Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber – Best Fiber Supplement
Type: Psyllium fiber (powder or capsules)
Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber uses organic psyllium husk, a soluble fiber that forms a gel when mixed with water. This gel adds bulk and softness, which supports easier bowel movements.
Benefits include:
- Helps with chronic constipation when used daily.
- May support healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Free from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.
Typical use is 1–3 teaspoons per day, taken with plenty of water. It is considered safe for long-term use for many people, but a provider should confirm this for your case.
Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed – Best Food-Based Supplement
Type: Ground flaxseed
Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed provides natural fiber plus healthy fats. Research has shown that ground flaxseed can support better bowel habits and stool bulk.
You can:
- Add two tablespoons per day to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or salads.
- Enjoy a nutty taste while increasing fiber intake.
Because it is a food, flaxseed can be a good daily habit for people who prefer natural kitchen-based solutions.
FiberCon Fiber Therapy – Best Fiber Capsules
Type: Calcium polycarbophil (capsules)
FiberCon Fiber Therapy is a bulk-forming laxative that absorbs water in the gut and forms a soft, bulky mass. This helps stool move through the intestine more regularly.
Key points:
- Capsule format suits people who dislike powders.
- Helps promote regularity when taken with adequate water.
Some people find large capsules hard to swallow. Those with certain conditions should confirm safety with a healthcare professional before use.
Senokot Regular Strength – Best Stimulant Option (Short-Term)
Type: Stimulant laxative (senna)
Senokot Regular Strength Natural Laxative stimulates bowel muscle activity, which can provide faster relief than many other options.
- Helpful for short-term relief when other methods have not worked.
- It can cause mild cramps in some people.
This type of product is not meant for long-term daily use and should be taken only under medical advice for ongoing constipation.
MiraLAX Mix-In Laxative Powder – Best Osmotic Laxative
Type: Polyethene glycol (PEG) osmotic powder
MiraLAX draws water into the colon to soften stool and support a bowel movement. Many people see results in 8–12 hours, making it a frequent choice for short-term use.
Key notes:
- Easy to mix into drinks with little taste.
- Too much can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.
- Not intended as a long-term daily solution without guidance.
Citrucel Methylcellulose Caplets – Best Soluble Fibre Caplets
Type: Methylcellulose fibre
Citrucel caplets contain methylcellulose, a non-fermentable fibre that tends to cause less gas for many people than some other fibres.
- Forms a gel that helps soften and bulk stool.
- Caplets are small and easy to take with water.
- Dose can be adjusted based on how your body responds.
As with all fibre products, drink enough fluids to reduce the risk of worsening constipation.
How to Choose the Best Supplement for Constipation
When choosing a constipation supplement, consider:
- Cause of your constipation: low fibre, dehydration, medications, slow bowel movement, or medical conditions.
- Type of supplement: bulk-forming fibre, osmotic agents, stimulant options, or magnesium.
- Quality: choose reputable brands that use third-party testing.
- Frequency of use: Some products are safe to use daily, while others are only for short-term relief.
- Budget: higher cost does not always mean better results, but very cheap products may cut corners.
A healthcare professional can help you match the product type to your specific needs and health history.
Precautions and Guidelines for Using Constipation Supplements
- Avoid self-treating serious symptoms. If you have severe pain, blood in stool, sudden weight loss, or long-lasting changes in bowel habits, seek medical care.
- Check for interactions. Some supplements can interact with heart medicines, antibiotics, or other drugs.
- Follow dosage instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label unless your clinician advises otherwise.
- Be careful with strong laxatives. Stimulant products and aggressive osmotic doses should not be used for long periods without medical oversight.
Always let your doctor or dietitian know about any supplements you plan to take, especially if you have kidney, liver, heart, or digestive conditions.
FAQs
A low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids, low movement, some medicines, and ignoring the urge to go can all play a role.
Increase fiber from food, drink more water, move more, and set regular bathroom times. Many people see improvement from these steps alone.
Solgar Magnesium Citrate is often chosen for overall relief when used under medical guidance.
Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber is a strong choice for daily bulk-forming support.
Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed provides natural fiber along with beneficial fats.
Senokot Regular Strength Natural Laxative can work quickly but is for short periods only.
MiraLAX Mix-In Laxative Powder is a popular osmotic powder for short-term relief.
Yes. A healthcare professional can help you choose the safest option and dose for your situation.
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