Can Multivitamins & Multiminerals Cause Bloating?

Can Multivitamins & Multiminerals Cause Bloating?
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Although vitamins such as vitamin A and B-6 have been shown to reduce bloating, some vitamin formulas may contribute to this uncomfortable condition. According to Epigee, taking multivitamin or multiminerals supplements can cause bloating as a side effect. There are ways to reduce the risks of bloating due to multivitamins. Consult your physician if simple changes don't alleviate the problem.

Drink or Eat

Multivitamins taken without liquids or on an empty stomach can cause nausea, which may lead to bloating. According to Drugs.com, to reduce this unwanted symptom, take your multivitamin with a full glass of water or juice. In addition, changing the brand of multivitamin you're taking or the type of multivitamin you're taking may offer relief from nausea.

Limit Iron

Taking multivitamins that contain the mineral iron can contribute to constipation and bloating. This bothersome side effect may occur in women more often than in men because women's multivitamin supplements contain more iron than those formulated for men. This is especially true for women who take prenatal multivitamin supplements, which can contain up to 27 mg of iron. Taking an overdose of multivitamins, according to Drugs.com, can also lead to constipation.

Opt for Pills

People who have acid reflux triggered by citric acid or sugar, may develop acid reflux after taking chewable, powdered or liquid multivitamins. Acid reflux causes food or acid in the stomach to backup into the esophagus. People who have this condition may develop stomach pain, burning in the stomach or chest, bloating or gas. In the December 2007 issue of "O Magazine," international nutrition expert Dr. David Katz, states that taking large multivitamin pills can irritate the esophagus triggering acid reflux or heartburn.

Considerations

If you experience bloating or excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting while taking your complete multivitamin, multivitamin or multimineral supplement notify your physician immediately. Do not take more than the recommended amount of any vitamin as you may experience bloating as a symptoms of hypervitaminosis -- vitamin toxicity.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Jul 31, 2011

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