Acid reflux happens when stomach acid backs into your esophagus. This irritates your esophagus, causing heartburn. Food and lifestyle can trigger acid reflux or sometimes heartburn all by itself. But sometimes multivitamins and medication can be culprits. If you experience acid reflux frequently, see your doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are over-the-counter supplements that provide nutrients that you may or may not get in the foods you eat. They are sold in capsule, chewable, liquid and powder forms. Although it's always best to get your vitamins and minerals from food, you may need to supplement for a variety of reasons, ranging from pregnancy to rickets.
Causes
Some people get acid reflux and heartburn only when they eat certain foods. Spicy, oily and citrus-based foods can trigger acid reflux. People who take chewable, liquid and capsule multivitamins may experience acid reflux or heartburn, as well. Dr. David Katz, author and nutrition and chronic-disease authority, says that a large multivitamin could irritate the esophagus or allow stomach acid to pass through the gastroesophageal sphincter
and into the esophagus as it goes down. He advises that switching brands or forms of multivitamin can sometimes eliminate the problem.
Considerations
People who take antacids to lower stomach acid may not be able to absorb vitamins from a supplement, because stomach acid is needed to absorb vitamins. They may need vitamin injections. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control says that taking an antacid beyond the recommended dose can hinder iron absorption.
Warnings
If you frequently take antacids, and you want to take a multivitamin, talk to your doctor. Few studies on the effects of taking antacids and multivitamins together have been done, so not enough is known about how they interact. But medications used to reduce stomach acid may inhibit vitamin and mineral absorption. Monitor the amount of calcium you take, as well. Some antacids have calcium, and taking a multivitamin that also has calcium might result in excess calcium.
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