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Vitamins & a Sick Stomach

Jul 14, 2011 | By Louise Tremblay

Your stomach proves indispensable for the proper digestion and release of nutrients from the food you eat. Acids within the stomach chemically digest nutrients, while layers of muscle that line it physically break down food. An upset stomach can develop for a number of reasons, ranging from eating unfamiliar foods to more serious gastrointestinal disorders. A number of vitamins and other ingredients in vitamin supplements can also affect your stomach, and some can cause stomach upset.

Vitamin C

One vitamin that can have a possible positive or negative effect on an upset stomach is vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. Following an abnormally high dose of vitamin C, your body attempts to eliminate the excess nutrient, causing nausea. However, vitamin C supplements can actually help some stomach conditions, such as peptic ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The vitamin might increase the efficacy of some medications used to treat peptic ulcers and help to curb ulcer bleeding. If you suffer from peptic ulcers, talk to your physician about the possible benefits of vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A also can affect your stomach. Consumed in moderate doses, vitamin A helps to nourish tissues and even supports the function of your digestive tract. However, if consumed in high doses, vitamin A can cause an upset stomach and might cause constipation or loose stools. If you take large doses of multivitamins, specific vitamin A supplements or fish oil, you might face an increased risk of upset stomach due to vitamin A overdose.

Vitamin B-3

Vitamin B-3, or niacin, can potentially lead to a sick stomach. Over-consumption of nicotinic acid, a specific form of niacin, can cause vomiting and nausea, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The excess nicotinic acid can also lead to "niacin flush," a reddening and burning sensation in the skin caused by dilation of blood vessels at the skin surface. You can help prevent stomach upset when taking nicotinic acid by consuming gradual-release formulations of the vitamin, instead of quick-release supplements.

Multivitamins

In addition to individual vitamins that can affect your stomach, taking high doses of multivitamins might also cause nausea. Multivitamin supplements typically contain a number of dietary minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper and selenium, all of which can cause nausea and vomiting when consumed in large amounts. Never take multivitamins without prior permission from your doctor, and do not exceed the recommended supplement dosage.

References

Article reviewed by John Yoset Last updated on: Jul 14, 2011

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