Taking vitamin supplements regularly can help promote good health. In some cases, taking certain supplements can cause an upset stomach or nausea. Always fully read and understand labels and directions before taking any vitamin supplements. Consult your health care provider before adding any supplements to your diet.
Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins are fat-soluble or water-soluble. You must take the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K with food, as they require fat to be dissolved. Water-soluble vitamins -- the eight B vitamins and C -- are easily dissolved in water. Taking a fat-soluble vitamin supplement on an empty stomach can put too much pressure on the stomach. Fat-soluble vitamins have a higher risk of toxicity and can cause upset stomach and nausea. Always take them with a meal to avoid nausea.
Prenatal Vitamins
According to Cleveland Clinic, prenatal vitamins may cause or worsen nausea symptoms in pregnant women. A pregnant woman's stomach can be much more sensitive than normal, so certain supplements can contribute to an upset stomach. Cleveland Clinic recommends switching to a chewable vitamin, as the stomach tends to more easily tolerate them. If you are pregnant and your prenatal vitamin is causing nausea, contact your doctor about a different prescription.
Overdosing
The body can only absorb so many vitamins at one time, so taking too much of one supplement can result in an upset stomach or nausea. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, high doses of calcium can cause nausea and vomiting. The National Institutes of Health also warns that high levels of vitamin D may cause upset stomach, vomiting and loss of appetite. Excess amounts of iron supplements may also cause nausea, vomiting and even liver damage, according to NIH.
Gelatin Coating
Some vitamin supplements are packed in gelatin capsules. Since gelatin is an animal byproduct, it may cause a reaction in some users, according to F. Catanza Rite, Ph.D., in "The Rite Way to Immortality." Many animals are fed antibiotics or ingest pesticides that can then be released into your body when you ingest a gelatin coating and cause a toxic reaction. Symptoms of a toxic reaction include dizziness and nausea. An allergic reaction to gelatin can also cause nausea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling and nausea.
References
- Colorado State University Extension; Water-Soluble Vitamins; J. Anderson, et al.; August 2008
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- "The Rite Way to Immortality: 7 Rite Rules of Wellness, Energy & Longevity"; F. Catanza Rite, Ph.D.; 2006
- Cleveland Clinic: Prenatal Vitamins
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