When it comes to vitamins and minerals, it's important to understand that some can cause loose stools or diarrhea, while others can lead to constipation. Magnesium and vitamin C are two examples of the former, while calcium and iron are two of the latter. Before starting or stopping any vitamin or mineral supplement, it's best to consult with a doctor. Multivitamins as a whole don't necessarily cause constipation, but certain vitamins and minerals present in them may contribute to irregularity.
Iron and certain types of fiber and calcium are known to cause constipation. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having stools that are difficult to evacuate. Multivitamins often contain more than just vitamins; they also provide minerals, and their mineral content can cause constipation. Iron in supplements is a common culprit, as is calcium.
If your vitamin supplement also contains herbal extracts, plant compounds, or other nutrients, they could also contribute to constipation. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to anemia, which can cause extreme fatigue, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold and difficulty breathing. In cases of deficiency determined by a blood test, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement, which is known to cause constipation. To reduce the risk of constipation, you can split the pill in half and take one in the morning and one at night.
In some cases, you may be able to talk to your doctor about injectable iron or infusions, although they aren't usually covered by insurance. Adults should consume between 1000 and 1200 milligrams of calcium every day; this is especially important for women to combat osteoporosis. It's best to get calcium from whole foods before trying a supplement. A glass of milk provides calcium, protein, fat and potassium.
While the gastrointestinal tract is not fully understood, it is believed that calcium does not allow good hydration in the intestine, causing constipation. Hydration is very important when taking a calcium supplement; it's recommended that people drink 64 ounces of water per day or more if they are physically active. When choosing between two multivitamins with different iron levels, it may be best to choose the one with the least amount of iron, especially if you can make up the difference through your diet. The easiest way to prevent constipation caused by multivitamins is to limit your intake of vitamins and minerals that cause constipation.
Fortunately, the body produces vitamin D through sunlight, and some foods contain vitamin D. Patients with intestinal motility disorders are frequently affected by vitamin D deficiency, which is closely related to anxiety, symptoms of depression and severe deterioration in quality of life. After receiving a diagnosis of intestinal motility disorders, patients underwent blood sampling to check the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body; when combined with vitamin D, it's crucial for bone development and strength. So if you're having difficulty going number two and have a few bottles of vitamins in your closet right now, these supplements could be the culprit. While multivitamins are generally safe for many people, all supplements can cause negative side effects or even drug interactions in certain situations.
It's best to talk to your doctor about supplements and ask them how best to avoid digestive side effects from taking multivitamins. Choose an iron-free multivitamin complex with less calcium than other supplements if you continue to experience digestive symptoms such as constipation or bloating. The best thing you can do to avoid digestive discomfort while taking multivitamin supplements is to follow the dosage level recommended by your doctor or the instructions on the product label - usually one pill a day.
Leave Message