You may be surprised if the vitamins you take for good health end up causing abdominal cramping. This may be a risk for sensitive individuals or those with food allergies because of some vitamins' added ingredients. If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, stop taking your vitamins and consult your doctor. Your symptoms may be an indication of another health condition unrelated to your vitamin usage, especially if the effects persist after you have discontinued your vitamins.
Megadoses
Taking large doses of some vitamins can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like cramping. There is a tolerable upper tolerable intake level for vitamin C of 2,000 mg per day. If you exceed this amount, it may cause abdominal cramps and nausea. Vitamin A can cause similar symptoms if you exceed the upper limit of 3,000 mcg per day. In addition, some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of megadoses, such as the elderly and chronic alcohol users.
Taking Vitamins
When you take vitamins may affect how your body reacts. Some vitamins, like vitamin E, should be taken with food that contains some fat in order to avoid stomach irritation. Some vitamins may include minerals, as well. When taken on an empty stomach, you may experience cramping if your multivitamin/multimineral supplement contains zinc and calcium. In addition, the type of vitamin may be at the root of your symptoms. Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body. Taking vitamins at the same time each day may prevent symptoms of toxicity from taking too much in a short period of time.
Other Ingredients
Often, you will find that vitamins contain other ingredients to increase the health benefits they offer. It also increases the risk for gastrointestinal complaints, depending upon your sensitivity. In addition, some products may contain gluten. Gluten-containing ingredients can help to stabilize vitamins. However, individuals with celiac disease may experience abdominal cramping and other symptoms from ingesting foods with gluten. The FDA permits the use of gluten in drugs and over-the-counter supplements.
Prevention
To prevent issues with vitamins and cramping, it is essential to be aware of the conditions that cause your symptoms. You may find that simply taking your vitamin with food alleviates any problems. Be sure and follow the guidelines for use on the product's label, avoiding exceeding the recommended dosage. If you are gluten intolerant, you should use vitamins that are labeled gluten free. Labeling by manufacturers is voluntary. If the product does not specifically state it is gluten free, find another vitamin. As a general precaution, take your vitamin with a full glass of water to prevent stomach and intestinal irritation.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Victoria J. Drake; November 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin A; Victoria J. Drake; November 2007
- WholeHealthMD.com; Vitamin E; February 4, 2010
- Colorado State University Extension; Fat-Soluble Vitamins; J. Anderson and L. Young; August 2008
- Celiac.com; Citizen's Petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Make Drugs Gluten-Free; M. Weber; February 6, 2009
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Questions and Answers on the Gluten-Free Labeling Proposed Rule; January 23, 2007
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