Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Vitamin Recommendations ATTN Heather

Hi - Multi-vitamins often cause GI upsets for people who don't even have IBS. One of the best ways around this is to always take your vitamins at the end of a meal, and never on an empty stomach. Iron supplements and vitamin C are two of the most likely culprits for GI distress, so check the dosage levels for these ingredients. Unless your doctor has recommended otherwise, make sure you're not exceeding one hundred percent of the US RDA for iron or vitamin C. Calcium can have a constipating effect, which can be helpful or hurtful depending on your symptoms. Magnesium can have a laxative effect, and this too can either aid or exacerbate IBS, depending on the individual. Again, make sure that your mineral supplement is not giving you a megadose of these ingredients, but perhaps a balance of the two.

Ask your local pharmacist about the most tolerable brands of vitamins in their store. GI upsets are very common with vitamins, and pharmacists are familiar with this request. Prenatal vitamins may be an option, as they are sometimes formulated specifically to help minimize the risk of GI side effects. You may just be able to phone in a prescription request for these from your doctor - just explain why you need them. Liquid vitamins or powder caplets may also be more tolerable than pills. One last thing to consider is the fillers and additives in many vitamins; check the ingredients for lactose, artificial colors, and preservatives, as many people with IBS are sensitive to even small quantities of these substances. A health food store may have a wider variety of additive-free vitamins than a drug store.

Best,
Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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