You know James....

You could take a chelate, and use something else for the laxative.
Prune juice, dates, figs, are quite effective.

There is Miralax OTC, but the FDA has some problems with PEG laxatives, so I hesitate to recommend them for daily use at this time.

Or just use the mag oxide for laxative.
There are foods very high in magnesium. 3oz of unsalted almonds have 270mg. You could use this for your supplement and only use the Mag oxide for laxative.

Unfortunately, I have looked for some food charts for mag...they all differ.
One easy source is Edamame beans 99mg...these are really good and easy to eat (frozen in the stores). per serving

This nutrition database will help you choose foods high in mag:
www.nutritiondata.com

If you like beans, black beans are a good source too. 120mg
Yogurt will give you 10% of your needs a day too.

Two/three years ago, I suddenly found I had constipation issues - a first for me. Considerable research {aka: Googling} led me to conclude my 'fix' was a blend of a high-fiber diet, 6-9 glasses of liquid + the right amount of magnesium.

I consume between 50 and 70 grams of fiber daily - probably a 50/50 blend of soluble/insoluble. Being a low-fat vegan, beans and soy yogurt are everyday staples. Black beans are a favorite. I was unaware they were a good source of magnesium.

Before 'discovering' magnesium, I went the prune juice, fig route. For me: "Yuk!"

Again, thanks for all your help. I've greatly benefited ~ james

Just a gentle reminder, James.....

I hope you are taking a B12 supplement, as vegans can get low on this nutrient because of the diet.

Yes, two 1000mcg Methylcobalamin tablets daily ~ james

Yes, that is great... the best choice too!

Take on an empty stomach...all that fiber will absorb the B12 and hinder its absorption. So no food will be the best way to get it going for you. (even if you use under the tongue..you will swallow alot in your saliva).

What is the best magnesium as a supplement mag chorlide????

It depends on the person. I use the SlowMag type (mag chloride) because I am sensitive to the laxative action.

But other forms show good response in studies.
Magnesium gluconate (Magonate)=somewhat expensive tho.
Magnesium glycinate are two popular forms.

I get the generic for SlowMag at Costco (behind the pharmacy counter)--it is about $5.00/a months supply.

mrsD,
Can you suggest a good calcium supplement. Thanks

Calcium is so easy to get today.
I use Lactaid milk with extra calcium.
Hubby uses OJ with calcium.
Yogurt has 400mg /cup (both of us have 1 cup a day)

I use Maalox multisymptom quick dissolve chews. There is also one without the simethicone. (the simethicone helps with gas and I need that for my twisted GI tract). Both Maaloxs have 1000mg of calcium carbonate in each quick dissolve tablet.
http://www.maalox.ca/qd_rs.htm
These are quite inexpensive now at WalMart. Less than $5 for a large bottle.

If you keep your Vit D optimal I think this helps with calcium absorption, and less is wasted. About 75% of calcium comes out in the stool. It is thought this helps prevent colon cancer.