Constipation is usually caused by a combination of factors, including a lack of exercise, dehydration and a lack of fiber in the diet. Unfortunately, there are also medications that can increase the possibility you will experience constipation, hard stools and bloating. These medications will either reduce the amount of water in the stool, reduce the motility of the intestinal tract, causing more water to be removed, or reduce the overall amount of fiber in the intestines when the medication is not completely absorbed. The amount of fiber required to maintain bowel health is partially dependent on what else is in the intestinal tract that may be causing reduced motility.
Iron Formulation
Ferrous sulfate is the most common form of iron supplementation available in multivitamins, over-the-counter or in prescription form. The University of Maryland Medical Center also lists ferrous fumarate, ferrous succinate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous lactate, ferrous glutamate, ferric ammonium citrate and ferrous glycine. Other sources include iron picolinate, iron citrate and iron bisglycinate, states Dr. Justine Butler at the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation. Iron is an essential mineral that your body uses to manufacture red blood cells and produce energy. Too little iron can result in anemia while too much can lead to diabetes, liver damage and discoloration of your skin.
Constipation
Absorption of iron from the intestinal tract is affected by several factors. When your body is unable to absorb all of the iron from the pills, you will excrete more of it through your stool. This changes the color of your stool, making it blacker, and reduces the amount of water the stool can retain. With a reduced amount of water, you are at higher risk of constipation. MedlinePlus states that iron is likely safe for most people and that absorption of the mineral is reduced when the supplement is taken with food. Taken without food, it is more likely to cause nausea and vomiting but reduce the potential for constipation because more is absorbed. Doctors at Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommend taking vitamin C with iron to help increase absorption, while dairy foods, bran, tea and unprocessed whole grains will reduce absorption.
Dietary Sources
Your body receives iron from foods in two different forms. Heme iron comes from the hemoglobin of other animals and is found in meat, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Heme iron is better absorbed than plant-based non-heme iron, but most dietary iron is from non-heme iron that the body is able to convert and use to produce red blood cells. Iron absorbed from dietary sources does not lead to constipation without other contributing factors, such as reduced water intake and lack of exercise. Plant sources of non-heme iron include foods that are also high in fiber, such as spinach, beans, lentils, cereals and raisins.
Warnings
Because there is a potential for side effects and interactions with medications you may already by taking, it is important that you discuss the addition of any supplement with your physician. High stores of iron can not only lead to constipation but also increase your risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. High doses of iron can also interfere with vitamin E absorption and can be fatal, especially in children.
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