According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the most common gastrointestinal complaint in America is constipation. Approximately 4 million Americans suffer with constipation. Suffers are typically women over 65 or pregnant. Causes of constipation include, poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. Some vitamins such as B-12 and D may also cause constipation.
Constipation
Constipation is usually defined as having bowel movements less than three times a week. People with constipation typically have hard small, difficult to eliminate, often painful bowel movements. Sufferers also often experience a sensation of a full bowel, bloating and straining. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease and most people will experience constipation at some time in their lives. Although constipation is not a serious health condition, if it persists it can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, fecal impaction and lazy bowel syndrome.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin found in foods such as eggs and fish. Vitamin D is also available as a supplement. Vitamin D is important to help maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. According to Mayo Clinic.com, vitamin D may be helpful for certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, however, too much vitamin D can cause constipation, poor appetite, weakness, weight loss and nausea.
B-12
B-12 is found in meat, dairy products and fish. Supplements of B-12 are also available, either as a single B-12 supplement or together with other B vitamins in a complex. B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin, essential for health. According to MayoClinic.com, B-12 is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and nerve cells and is needed to make the genetic material in DNA. According to Drugs.com however, B-12 may cause constipation.
Prenatal Vitamins
Certain vitamin and minerals such as calcium, folic acid and iron are essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Prenatal vitamins are designed to help pregnant women meet the increased need for these nutrients during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter at any pharmacy and do not need a prescription. According to Drugs.com, prenatal vitamins can cause symptoms such as constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, peeling skin, severe headache, easy bruising and joint pain.
