Insights & Discussion
Magnesium sulfate-rich natural mineral waters are effective and safe as a natural treatment for functional constipation.
This paper reviews clinical data on the efficacy of magnesium sulfate-rich natural mineral waters in treating functional constipation (FC), a chronic type of constipation with no identifiable physiological, anatomical, or iatrogenic causes. The condition is known to significantly affect patients’ quality of life and increase healthcare costs. The study examines the historical use of magnesium sulfate in treating FC and its longstanding recognition for laxative properties, especially in the context of magnesium sulfate-rich mineral waters.
The review highlights that, despite the long history of using magnesium sulfate-rich mineral waters for their laxative effects, clinical studies specifically demonstrating their effectiveness in FC were scarce before the 21st century. The collected data indicate that these mineral waters are not only effective in treating FC but also safe, positioning them as a viable natural treatment option for this condition.
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Magnesium-rich mineral water effectively treats and prevents constipation in children, leading to regular, painless bowel movements.
2020 Russian Journal of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation The use of magnesium-containing mineral waters for functional constipation in children and adolescents Kulikov AG, Zakharova IN, Tvorogova TM, Stepurina LL, Elezova LI
Clinical Study Children's Health Constipation Magnesium
This randomized, prospective, open, comparative study involved 95 children and adolescents aged 10-16 years with functional constipation. They received sanatorium therapy for 18 days, including a sparing-exercise regimen, therapeutic nutrition, health-improving massage, and physiotherapy exercises. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (55 patients) received basic treatment plus magnesium-containing mineral water, while Group 2 (40 patients) received only basic treatment. The study assessed the frequency and nature of defecation, vegetative status, and functional body reserves.
By day 5, 49% of Group 1 patients achieved daily defecation, increasing to 89.1% by the end of treatment. In contrast, only 55% of Group 2 showed positive changes by the end. The mineral water group also had softer, pain-free bowel movements, with most achieving a morning defecation reflex after consuming the water. The control group saw less significant changes in defecation nature, with only 18% reaching softer bowel movements by the end of treatment. The results indicate the effectiveness and safety of magnesium-containing mineral water in treating and preventing functional constipation in children.
Hépar mineral water, rich in sulphates and magnesium, effectively treats functional constipation, showing significant results within 7 days.
2019 Nutrition Time to treatment response of a magnesium- and sulphate-rich natural mineral water in functional constipation Dupont C, Constant F, Imbert A, Hébert G, Zourabichvili O, Kapel N
Clinical Study Constipation Magnesium Mineral Water
In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled study, 226 outpatients with functional constipation were evaluated. Participants underwent a washout period before consuming 1.5 liters of water daily for 14 days, of which 1 liter was either Hépar or low-mineral water. Patients self-reported stool consistency daily, and an expert investigator, blinded to the treatment groups, evaluated stool consistency using the Bristol stool scale based on patient-provided photographs.
The study successfully met its primary endpoint, with 50% of participants in the Hépar group responding to treatment by day 14, compared to 29% in the control group. The average time to observe a treatment response was 6.4 days for Hépar users, shorter than the 7.3 days in the control group. Approximately 60% of patients provided stool scores, with 79% of these scores closely aligning between patients and experts. The safety analysis of Hépar indicated excellent results, confirming its efficacy and safety in treating functional constipation.
Drinking 1 liter of Hépar, a magnesium sulfate-rich mineral water, daily reduces constipation and hard or lumpy stools more effectively than low-mineral water in women.
2014 Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Efficacy and Safety of a Magnesium Sulfate–Rich Natural Mineral Water for Patients With Functional Constipation Dupont C, Campagne A, Constant F
Randomised Controlled Trial Constipation Magnesium
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of Hépar, a magnesium sulfate-rich natural mineral water, on 244 adult women with functional constipation, as defined by the Rome III criteria. The participants, identified by 62 general practitioners across France, were divided into three groups. After a washout period, they either drank 1.5 liters of natural low-mineral water daily (control group), 0.5 liters of Hépar plus 1 liter of low-mineral water daily (Hépar 0.5 group), or 1 liter of Hépar plus 0.5 liters of low-mineral water daily (Hépar 1 group) for four weeks. Data on stool number and type, abdominal pain, use of rescue medications, adverse events, and water consumption were collected.
No significant effect was observed in the first week. However, by the second week, constipation reduction was observed in 21.1% of the control group, 30.9% in the Hépar 0.5 group, and 37.5% in the Hépar 1 group. The Hépar 1 group also experienced fewer hard or lumpy stools and less need for rescue medication. The effectiveness correlated with the magnesium sulfate concentration in the water. Safety was excellent, with no serious adverse events reported among the Hépar consumers. The study concluded that daily consumption of 1 liter of Hépar significantly reduced constipation and the occurrence of hard or lumpy stools in women with functional constipation, starting from the second week of treatment.