Multiple Vitamins Side Effects

You may need to take multivitamins sometime in your life if you cannot obtain their natural benefits through consumption of fresh vegetables, healthy meats and vegetables. Mineral and vitamin supplements contain many active nutritious ingredients that your body needs. One mineral, calcium, helps you maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin D contained in a multivitamin source helps your body absorb the calcium it needs. However, multivitamins may have side effects because of their active ingredients.

Hard Stools

You may experience constipation when taking a new multivitamin supplement. You may have difficult having a bowel movement and your stool may be hard. Call your doctor if this side effect becomes severe or does not cease. He can prescribe a medication to help relieve the constipation. Drinking more water and adding more roughage to your diet can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, or loose watery stools, may occur when first taking a multivitamin. You may need to use the bathroom several times. This side effect should stop by itself after your body adjusts to taking this new supplement. Call your doctor for advice if this side effect continues. 

Dark Stools

When first on a multivitamin regimen, changes of stool color are common, according to Drugs.com. Your stool appears darker, almost black. The mineral ingredients change the stool's color. Talk to your doctor if you notice blood in your stool.

Upset Stomach

Nausea is common when you first take a new vitamin and mineral supplement, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body is adjusting to the nutrients inside the multivitamin. Take your supplement with food. If this side effect continues, call your practitioner for advice.

References

Article reviewed by Sharon Last updated on: Jan 14, 2011

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