Vitamin supplements are a popular addition to the arsenal that many people take in an attempt to attain or maintain good health. Unfortunately, just like prescription drugs, vitamin supplements do carry side effects. Constipation can occur as a result of some minerals included in many common vitamin supplements sold over the counter and by prescription. Talk to your doctor if you think your vitamin is causing constipation for possible alternatives and treatments.
Iron
Iron is a mineral included in many multivitamins that commonly causes constipation. Much of the iron included in vitamin supplements isn't easily absorbed by the human body. As a result, it sits in the digestive tract and causes constipation. Speak with your physician about vitamin supplements that do not contain iron or ask for one that has easily absorbed iron.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are notorious for causing constipation because of higher levels of iron included in the supplements. Pregnant women require more iron each day to support an expanding blood volume and the development of the fetus. Go Ask Alice with Columbia University reports that prenatal vitamins contain approximately 27 mg of iron. Individuals who are not pregnant usually require 8 to 18 mg of iron per day. Despite the increased need for iron, the vitamins can still cause constipation because of the high iron content.
Calcium
Excess calcium ingested through vitamin supplements can cause constipation, as reported by Harvard Medical School. Although calcium isn't usually associated with severe constipation, when combined with iron or other medications that cause constipation, it can compound the issue. Too much calcium can affect the absorption of some prescription medications, so be sure to stick to your doctor's recommendations for calcium intake.
Considerations
Always talk to your doctor or health care provider before adding any type of vitamins or supplements to your daily regimen. If you experience side effects from your vitamin supplements, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for alternatives or recommendations for treating the side effects. Some vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin C have been found to be helpful in preventing constipation. Take your vitamin supplement with you on your next doctor visit so he can determine if the right mix of vitamins and minerals are included in the supplement to minimize your risk of developing constipation.
References
- University of Cincinnati: Can Taking a Multivitamin Cause Constipation?; Dr. Esa M. Davis; December 2004
- Go Ask Alice: Prenatal Vitamins; January 2011
- Harvard Medical School: What You Need to Know About Calcium; April 2003
- Oregon State University: Vitamin B12; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2003
- Healthy Vitamins: Constipation
