Most Common Side Effects Of Dietary Supplements

As the name suggests, dietary supplements are substances intended to supplement an individual's regular diet. Herbs, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are all classified as dietary supplements, and they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food products. Under current regulations, dietary supplements do not undergo the same tests medications must pass to be sold. Nevertheless, most doctors recommend patients take a multivitamin, and some dietary supplements such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and fish oil could help in the case of nutritional deficiencies or as protection against cardiovascular disease. Supplements may not be safe for everyone, and experts encourage patients to check with a doctor before taking a supplement; this is especially important for patients who are taking other medicines and for those with underlying health conditions. Patients scheduled for surgery may need to stop taking certain supplements for a few days or weeks before their operation. When taking a supplement, patients should never take more than the recommended dose on the label, and they should let their doctor know if they develop any worrying symptoms.

Some of the most common side effects associated with dietary supplements are discussed below.

Nausea

Nausea describes an inclination to vomit, and it can occur with or without actual vomiting. Taking high doses of supplements increases the risk of nausea. For example, patients who take vitamin C supplements in doses of more than two thousand milligrams are particularly likely to experience this side effect, and nausea is also a recognized side effect of magnesium supplements. Patients who take supplements should let their doctor know if they begin to experience nausea regularly, especially if it begins after starting a new supplement. In rare cases, nausea could be one of the first signs of an overdose of magnesium or another supplement. Nausea that occurs together with low blood pressure, diarrhea, muscle weakness, or fatigue should be investigated promptly. To relieve nausea at home, patients might want to sip ginger tea or suck on peppermint candies. Going outside to get fresh air may help reduce queasiness, and doctors advise patients to eat light meals comprised of soft, bland foods until nausea passes. Foods such as white rice, broth, and crackers may be beneficial.

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Constipation Or Diarrhea

Many vitamins, herbs, and minerals are associated with changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea. For example, both calcium and iron can trigger constipation. Patients who experience constipation due to calcium supplements may want to try taking calcium citrate supplements instead of using calcium carbonate, and spreading calcium doses across the day may be beneficial. To reduce the risk of constipation from both calcium and iron, doctors recommend eating a diet rich in fiber. Some patients may need to take stool softeners or laxatives to relieve their symptoms. Supplements known to have a laxative effect and the potential to cause diarrhea include magnesium, aloe vera juice, senna, turmeric, and lobelia. Patients who believe a supplement could be causing their diarrhea might want to start by reducing their dose. Taking small doses spread across the day (instead of one large dose) may reduce the risk of diarrhea as well. To treat diarrhea at home, patients should build meals around low-fiber foods such as toast, applesauce, and white rice. Baked potatoes (without skin) and chicken soup may be soothing too. If necessary, taking an over-the-counter medication such as loperamide could ease symptoms.

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Stomach Cramps

Gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, abdominal pain, and heartburn are common side effects of several vitamins, herbs, and minerals. For example, arginine can increase stomach acid, and vitamin B6 and cocoa supplements are sometimes associated with stomach irritation as well. Zinc, a mineral found in numerous multivitamins, could contribute to stomach cramps in certain patients, and many patients get stomach cramps when taking iron. To reduce the risk of stomach cramps and pain when taking supplements, patients could try taking an enteric-coated supplement, and they might also wish to ask their doctor about alternative supplement formulas that could be easier on the stomach. For example, iron supplements are available in a slow-release form that is gentler on the stomach. To relieve stomach cramps at home, it can be helpful to apply a heating pad or a cold pack to the stomach for twenty to thirty minutes at a time. Some individuals have found chamomile tea, ginger, and licorice to be beneficial in relieving stomach cramps as well. Patients should always let their doctor know if they have very sharp stomach cramps that do not go away, as these may be signs of a more serious medical condition.

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Gas And Bloating

Gas and bloating develop most often from the use of fiber and protein supplements, especially those in powdered form. Iron pills and multivitamins could also cause gas and bloating, and some patients experience abdominal bloating after taking calcium supplements. Both vitamin C and vitamin E are known to contribute to flatulence, especially when consumed in larger doses. To reduce gas and bloating from supplements, individuals might want to take chewable supplements instead of those that must be swallowed whole. For example, chewable calcium supplements are associated with less bloating than other formulations. If possible, individuals who take multivitamins might want to consider switching to prenatal vitamins. While they contain many of the same minerals and nutrients as multivitamins, prenatal vitamins are generally easier for the large intestine to absorb, and this typically results in less bloating. Patients who experience gas or bloating after taking a supplement should consider discontinuing it. In particular, individuals who notice bloating after supplement use need to speak with a doctor. Occasionally, bloating could be a sign of more serious gastrointestinal problems, including cancer.

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Kidney Stones

Research has shown patients who take vitamin C or calcium supplements are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. A study published in 2013 found male patients who used high-dose vitamin C supplements had twice the risk of kidney stones compared to men who did not use the supplements. Studies have also shown calcium supplements could increase the risk of a specific type of kidney stone known as a calcium oxalate stone. This risk was especially pronounced if the calcium supplements were taken without food. To reduce the likelihood of developing a kidney stone, patients who need to take calcium supplements are encouraged to take them with meals, and researchers suggest individuals at high risk for kidney stones should aim to get their vitamin C from food instead of supplements. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, kale, broccoli, and peas. Patients who experience potential signs of a kidney stone such as renal pain, blood in the urine, pain during urination, or urinary retention should seek urgent medical care.