Nutrition
Doctors Reveal: The 9 Supplements That May Harm Your Stomach Health
Supplements often seem equivalent to enhanced health, yet their potential side effects are at times overlooked, particularly the negative impacts they can have on organs like the stomach. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises that high dosage, multiple supplements intake, or employing them as alternatives to prescribed medications, can provoke these effects.
NIH experts underline the importance of being vigilant about adverse reactions, particularly when using a new product, they say, “Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects on the body.” To ensure your wellness, it’s crucial to be aware of supplements that can adversely affect your stomach. Here, we enlist the nine that physicians warn against.
Iron, which helps create hemoglobin in red blood cells for oxygen transportation, can cause iron deficiency anemia if not adequately consumed, with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, among others. However, be wary of its supplementation, especially in high doses.
“Their effect on the stomach lining can cause nausea, constipation, or stomach cramps,” remarks Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the chief medical advisor for Fortune Recommends Health. Dr. David D. Clarke recommends consulting your physician before starting an iron supplement regimen, as side effects are more likely to occur with intakes exceeding 17mg daily.
Calcium intake is essential for heart, muscle, nerve, and bone health, yet this supplement can cause digestive issues, particularly in high doses. Clarke highlights that intakes surpassing 1,500 mg daily potentially cause gastric damage or gastrointestinal symptoms; it’s also crucial to consider dietary calcium when calculating total intake.
Magnesium, a mineral involved in over 300 bodily chemical reactions, can cause digestive issues when excessively consumed via supplements. “Overconsumption can potentially cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating,” Dasgupta warns.
Vitamin C, beneficial for immunity and metabolism, can irritate your stomach lining when consumed in excess, leading to diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps, warns Dasgupta. Clarke adds that doses over 1,000mg daily can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provides heart benefits and reduces inflammation but can cause nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea, especially in high doses, says Dasgupta.
Green tea extract, potent in antioxidants, might cause gastrointestinal issues due to caffeine’s effect on stomach acid production. Dasgupta cautions, “The caffeine in it can increase stomach acid production and irritate the stomach lining, potentially causing nausea or digestive issues, even liver damage in extreme cases.”
Probiotics might initially cause temporary digestive issues like gas, bloating, and stomach upset, especially for first-time users, according to Dasgupta.
Excess Vitamin A consumption can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, from nausea and irritability to abdominal pain and diarrhea, cautions Dasgupta.
Lastly, even though Aspirin falls under medication and not dietary supplements, it bears mentioning due to its usage in conjunction with supplements for reducing heart attack, stroke, or blood clots risks. Clarke warns that Aspirin can cause significant stomach issues, even in reduced doses.
“Consulting with a healthcare provider is advised before starting any supplement regimen”, advises Clarke. While we offer up-to-date expert information, always consult your healthcare provider for any health-related queries or medication advice.
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