Nausea and pain: 6 vitamins that can harm stomach

Which dietary supplements can harm the stomach

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), side effects from supplements are more likely to occur if you take them in high doses or use multiple supplements simultaneously.

Many supplements contain active ingredients that can significantly affect the body. It's always important to be aware of potential side effects, especially when starting a new product.

Iron

The body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

If you don't get enough iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia, which can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta explained that iron supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, but they can negatively affect the stomach lining and cause nausea, constipation, or abdominal cramps.

Side effects are more likely when taking iron in amounts exceeding 17 mg per day.

Calcium

Calcium supplements are excellent for supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis, but they can sometimes cause digestive issues such as constipation or bloating.

Doses exceeding 1500 mg per day are more likely to harm the stomach or cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in the body, participating in over 300 chemical reactions. It supports a stable heartbeat and strengthens the immune system.

However, most people can obtain all the necessary magnesium through their diet by consuming whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fish.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, peppers, and other fruits and vegetables, is beneficial for boosting metabolism and immunity. However, excessive intake can also harm the stomach.

Too much vitamin C can irritate the stomach lining, causing diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps.

If you already have a stomach ache, the acidic nature of vitamin C can further exacerbate the issue.

Fish Oil

Fatty fish, avocados, chia seeds, and nuts are good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

However, fish oil can cause stomach upset in some people. While fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation, it can also lead to nausea, digestive issues, or diarrhea, especially in large doses.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is an antioxidant important for cell division, growth, vision, reproduction, immunity, and organ health.

You can obtain vitamin A through your diet by consuming liver, fish, eggs, dairy products, and various fruits and vegetables.

However, excessive intake of vitamin A can cause stomach issues, including nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Earlier, we discussed the differences between inexpensive and expensive vitamins.

We also covered how a deficiency in this mineral can lead to health problems.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.