do iron supplements cause smelly gas?
This increase in iron can also improve brain function, from basic learning to memory. Other drugs that can cause embarrassing flatulence are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS . Psyllium can cause bloating and gas, especially when you first start taking it. Iron Supplementation, Response in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Analysis of Five Trials. The vitamin is water-soluble, meaning it is eliminated in the urine. It is also necessary for neurological development, synthesis of hormones and proper growth. Iron supplements are a great way to battle anemia and reverse an iron deficiency, especially if diet changes alone are unsuccessful. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a011866, Okan M, Koch T, Tran M, et al. I thought iron supplements were supposed to cause constipation, but I'm in the exact opposite situation. An expert breaks down what causes smelly gas and how to get rid of it. Doing so can help prevent or treat many of the common symptoms of iron deficiency, including:. Clearly metallic-smelling bowel movements may be the sign of something entirely harmless like iron supplements or antibiotics. In normal circumstances, everybody is going to produce a little bit of gas, he says. Iron deficiency is common in the developing world, where more than a quarter of the population may be affected (mostly due to poverty and the lack of nutrition). According to MedlinePlus, these are some symptoms from taking iron supplements: You shouldn't be alarmed if your stools are very dark. Also, ask your doctor how you should take iron supplements. Numbness, pain, or tingling of hands or feet, Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds, Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation, Eat more vegetables and fiber-rich foods to prevent or treat constipation, Take with food to minimize or prevent stomach discomfort, Iron-fortified breakfast cereals: 18 mg per cup, Kidney beans (canned): 2 mg per cup serving, Canned sardines in oil: 2 mg per cup serving, Chickpeas (canned): 2 mg per cup serving, Braised bottom round beef: 2 mg per 3-ounce serving, Baked potatoes: 1 mg per medium-sized potato, Green beans (cooked): 1 mg per cup serving. What is the recommended dose to avoid side effects? Be alerted to newclinical findings & warnings. When food isnt absorbed properly, it sits in your GI tract and decomposes, which causes foul-smelling gas, Dr. Sonpal says. Here are some of the main causes of particularly bad-smelling poop: 1. If its accompanied by diarrhea or a lot of bloating, or if youre starting to become anemic and theres blood in the stool, these are all signs that something is wrong with the lining of the GI tract and the person needs to see somebody, Dr. Sonpal says. Sulfur-rich foods. Thats when it becomes, On top of that, some of our favourite healthy foods can actually. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Iron supplements are sold over-the-counter or by prescription. which is a normal side effect, please suggest me, and most healthy adults pass gas somewhere between 13 and 21 times each day, not any added ingredient, Besides taking an unsuitable supplement, Try mixing your supplement . Sign in for details about why researchers think activated charcoal might not work. Dark stools. But before it gets there, your stomach acids will try to break it down. The trade-off is that it replaces your iron more slowly. Iron supplements are known to cause gas and bloating. What are the side effects of iron supplements for anemia? It also boosts the immune system, aids cognitive function, and supports healthy skin, hair, and nails. A few examples are: Aspirin. Other symptoms are bloating, abdominal cramping and nausea. Dark-Colored Foods. Iron. The dose can vary based on the level of your deficiency as well as the underlying cause. Join now to add comments and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews. Once started, you would need to continue treatment even if you feel better and no longer have symptoms. Some digestive enzymes, including alpha-galactosidase (Beano) can help break down indigestible nutrients such as plant fiber. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Start with low doses, since these products also increase gas. Other drugs that can cause embarrassing flatulence are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antifungal medicines and statins. The condition is common and one of the above remedies is supposed to cure your smelly farts. They also had normal iron levels in the blood. Always check the use-by date and discard any expired, discolored, or damaged supplements. If you are taking iron in a liquid form, tooth staining may be a side effect. BACKGROUND:In recent years,we saw four patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in our clinical practices who developed a compulsive craving for certain odors including rubber tires, gasoline, Pine-Sol (a popular household alcohol ethoxylate-based cleaning agent), and "musty odor of the basement." Such behavior resolved after treatment of IDA, and recurred in a patient whose IDA relapsed. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids and try to be more physically active. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help improve your health and also kill the bad bacteria that feeds on carbohydrates to produce foul flatulence. Which supplements help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse? Still, it's important to remember that red or black stools could be caused by bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. ConsumerLab.com uses JavaScript to provide the best possible experience for our content, but your browser has it disabled. Nuts are high in FODMAPs. Extra iron in your blood can be toxic to the liver, heart, and pancreas and may cause damage to the joints, as well. These charcoal with pores is called activated charcoal and is used for medicinal purposes to trap chemicals. Although unabsorbed iron is eliminated naturally when we go to the bathroom, it can wreak havoc before it leaves our system. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): Find out if IP6 (also known as phytic acid) can prevent or treat cancer. Does iron cause urine to smell? Possible side effects include dizziness, frequent urination, change in the colour of the urine, black stools, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, redness of the skin and itching. The four reasons why nuts make you gassy are: Nuts are high in fiber. However, it can take four to six months of daily iron supplements to fully resolve a case of iron deficiency anemia. The following are some of the most common causes of gas and bloating: Medicines or nutritional supplements. Change in color of stool to green. Taking the appropriate dosage of iron is unlikely to cause any side effects. Save money by finding high-quality products at lower cost. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. may increase the amount of iron you absorb. Any of these can lead to increased flatulence. 3 protein powders that don't cause gas. Doctors have observed that many patients who start using calcium supplements suffer from constipation. Fiber supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil. Pediatrics 48 years experience. Dietary fiber is a type of carb that your body cannot digest properly. Any of these can lead to increased flatulence. shallow and rapid breathing. If you have any suggestions and queries you can contact us on the below details. Stop taking iron supplements and see your doctor if your gas is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss; oily, bloody, tarry or unusually foul-smelling stools; nausea; vomiting or heartburn. Certain probiotics may, at best, modestly help flatulence, as was shown in children taking a particular probiotic daily for three months. Everyone has gas, and its completely normal for your farts to smell. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many high fiber foods can cause you to pass more gas. It's time to answer the questions which you are probably too embarrassed to ask your friend, let alone your girl/boyfriend! Iron. Iron supplements cause other stomach problems such as heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. When Iron Deficiency Anemia Is Not What It Appears to Be, Iron Deficiency Anemia From Heavy Menstrual Periods, Iron Deficiency Anemia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals, Iron deficiency anemia: a common and curable disease, Iron Supplementation, Response in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Analysis of Five Trials, Iron supplement (oral route, parenteral route): Side effects, Review on iron and its importance for human health, Iron ingestion: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. It is not meant in any way as a substitute for the professional advice provided by your physician or any other healthcare professional. Most iron-deficient people start to feel better within a few days. Common side-effects include stomach upset, constipation and diarrhoea. But let your doctor know if: With higher doses, nausea and vomiting may occur. You may, therefore, try using fart pads as a temporary remedy. convulsions (seizures) pale, clammy skin. Because of the inherent danger of overdosing with iron supplements, upper limits have been established as a guideline, according to NIH. Esophageal Varices. iron absorption, such as spinach, nuts, beans, and egg whites. MedlinePlus.com recommends avoiding gas-producing foods such as beans and cabbage 2. By signing up to receive our weekly newsletter, The Wellnest, you agree to our privacy policy. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.03.045. Plus, Ferosom is microencapsulated in Liposomal form, which means it doesnt have to be converted for your body to absorb it. This can result in iron deficiency anemia symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic, and may include: Read More: 3 Fast Ways of Getting Iron in the Blood. Why do most iron supplements cause gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects? In case your problem is being caused by a medical issue then see your physician who will advise you accordingly. "The body . Remember to keep iron supplements out of the reach and sight of children - iron is a common cause . Flatulence, commonly referred to as "passing gas" or "farting," is a normal biological process the body uses to help get rid of small amounts of air that are swallowed or that build up during digestion. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Iron supplements have several common side effects. (See how much lactose is in various foods.) The most common adverse effects from taking iron supplements that are reported in research are ( 1 , 2 ): Abdominal discomfort (i.e. Flatulence, also called flatus, is gas that passes through your rectum 2. To improve absorption, take iron along with foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juice. Iron supplements may also interact with the following drugs: In some cases, separating the doses by two hours may be all that is needed to avoid interactions. Avoid taking iron supplements at the same time as high-fiber foods or caffeine, which can hinder absorption. Thats a major bummer if you thought your new diet was #goals. Remember, foul-smelling gas once in a while is OK, but its chronic, we have to get to the bottom of why its happening, Dr. Sonpal says. Eating something out of your norm or thats heavy or spicy is a likely cause of smelly gas, but, if your gas smells really bad and is chronic, youre probably wondering if its something more serious. Stinky farts are not only embarrassing, they can also indicate an underlying health condition that needs immediate medical attention. Most people pass gas at least 12 times per day. Taking iron supplements that you dont need can lead to a serious condition called iron overload. The response to oral iron supplements can vary by the underlying cause. On top of that, some of our favourite healthy foods can actually inhibit iron absorption, such as spinach, nuts, beans, and egg whites. To correct iron deficiency, you may need to take iron supplements. As tiredness or a lack of energy (fatigue) is commonly associated with a diet low in Iron, it is likely to be the first change you notice when you take an iron supplement" (2). This site is intended for informational purposes only and not to provide medical advice. If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study. Certain prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements can do a number on your gut, including making your farts foul smelling. Ferosoms LCE coating is like an iron bodyguard, shielding the supplement as it travels through the digestive system. high, IV-level absorption rates. Contact your healthcare provider if you have iron overload or iron poisoning symptoms. Cinnamon: Having a bounty of medical applications, cinnamon can also help relieve gas pain. You ate a bunch of sulfur-heavy foods. A metallic smell on your body is typically triggered by handling metals or from your body burning protein rather than glucose during a workout. drink a lot of water to help with constipation. The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Doctor's Answers 1. The cause of the constipation is the iron itself, not any added ingredient. Mayo Clinic: "Iron Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route)", UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: "Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol, Slow FE) Side Effects and Uses", Chest While protein itself won't cause you gas and bloat . The reason they cause smelly gas differs by drug and person to person. This means more iron can be absorbed into your intestine and, Plus, Ferosom is microencapsulated in Liposomal form, which means it doesnt have to be converted for your body to absorb it. There are indeed side effects associated with a vitamin B complex. To get a general sense of how common these are . Remember, the cells that line your intestine can only absorb a certain amount of iron at a time. Taking biotin may also wreak havoc on your digestive system: biotin side effects can include stomach troubles like nausea, cramping, and diarrhea, according to Elliott. But there are also several supplements that can cause gas. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. This is not due to the protein itself but typically due to lactose naturally in whey and casein proteins (unless they are protein isolates) or sweeteners that are not easily digested, such a sugar alcohols. But before you rush off to stock your online cart with the first supplement brand you can find, its important to know why certain brands lead to painful side effects. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Q: I have anemia and need to take an iron supplement, but its making me very constipated. Smelly flatulence may be caused by high fiber in food, constipation, and bacteria. They all have a distinctive odor, she says. Increasing to the full dose over a week or two allows your body time to get used to additional iron. Common iron supplement side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dark stools, and a metallic taste in your mouth. By contrast, fumarate and gluconate are sugars that your body can digest and which enhance the absorption of the iron to which they are bound. They know your body and health history best and can provide a personalized suggestion to help you steer clear of side effects. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Subscribe to stay informed and up-to-date on promotions and healthy living tips! Instead, the intestines absorb this kind of sugar slowly, drawing water to the area as a result. do iron supplements cause smelly gas? Speak with your healthcare provider if you intend to use iron supplements and take these or any other chronic medication. If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product. Most forms of iron just sit in your stomach and wreak havoc but they are commonly used because they are inexpensive and readily available. High fiber foods. Try mixing the iron with a liquid and drinking the solution through a straw. Related Posts. Here, digestion experts share eight common causes of unusually smelly farts and when to see your doctor about it. The digestive system easily cleaves the bond between powder and anti-foaming agent, and this is where the supplement causes gas and bloating. Iron deficiency, also known assideropenia, is the state in which your body lacks the iron needed to maintain normal function. Check the product label or speak with your pharmacist who can show you the difference.). August 20, 2022 by Sandra Hearth. Join our mailing list. Medium chain triglyceride oil may cause flatulence when used in large doses (e.g., five tablespoons twice daily). An Essential Mineral Used to Treat Anemia. Everyday Ways to Maintain Your Feel-Great Weight, Mayo Clinic Q&A: 21st Century Stroke Prevention Strategies, Ask the Harvard Experts: Practical Steps to Boost Your Childs Immune System, Mayo Clinic Q&A: Storm Anxiety is Common in Young Children, Getting the Best Treatment for Your Fibromyalgia, The Cheerful Lexicon of the Spanish Language May Help Solve a Health Mystery Called the HispanicParadox, Ready for Another Pandemic Malady? Iron supplements sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. This includes the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. Not everyone can tolerate taking calcium supplements regularly and one of the . Do not take iron supplements unless your doctor tells you to do so. Medication and Supplements Effects during Pregnancy. If you experience flatulence with ferrous sulfate, ask your doctor about switching to ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate. Call your doctor if you have any of the following: Side effects from iron supplements can make it difficult for some people to comply with treatment. It is important to keep in mind that taking iron supplements can cause side effects. But anemia can also affect men, especially if their diet doesnt include foods that are packed with iron or help with iron absorption. Learn more about sugar alcohols, including maltitol and lactitol, why some products contain them, and possible side effects. Make sure you chew your food thoroughly and also try eating more slowly, relaxing during meals instead of multitasking and walking for 10 to 15 minutes after a meal. Iron pills can change the colour of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. Flatulence may be a sign of a more serious condition. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. ), Copyright 2023 - Chicago Health. FAQ: W. National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases. Other symptoms include feeling very tired, breathlessness even after little exercise, heart palpitations, headaches, and a reduced appetite. Any suggestions? Avoid taking iron pills on an empty stomach, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Taking iron supplements that you dont need can lead to a serious condition called iron overload. Flatulence, also called flatus, is gas that passes through your rectum 2. Without sufficient iron, your body cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you healthy. www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-reduce-or-that-may-worsen-flatulence/supplements-for-flatulence/. Avoid smoking and alcohol. It is a common digestive problem and the symptoms always develop within a few minutes of consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose. If you think that your gas, burping, or bloating may be caused by a medicine or supplement: Call the doctor who . This is one of the signs iron pills are working correctly. If you have IBS or SIBO, you may supplement your foods with probiotics, like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha, and prebiotics (fiber that feeds probiotics), Dr. Sonpal says. However, iron can be rough on your gastrointestinal tract and some people need to take it with a small amount of food. Food Intolerance. Certain diet and lifestyle changes, including eating smaller meals, drinking and eating more slowly, avoiding certain foods, and exercising regularly may help reduce excessive flatulence. Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (Howard LeWine, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. So if youre asking yourself, Why does my gas smell like metal? its likely due to certain foods in your diet. A combination of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol may cause flatulence in some people. These include: hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol and dimethyl sulphide. Do not take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at the same time. Occasionally, your stool might have a different hue. This feature is restricted to active members. Parasites in the body can also result in smelly stool or gas. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Taking an extremely higher than recommended amount of iron supplements could result in a severe iron overdose. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Typically, these are mild for most people. Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews. The very first part of your intestine (the duodenum and the first part of your jejunum) is where iron is absorbed best. Although unabsorbed iron is eliminated naturally when we go to the bathroom, it can wreak havoc before it leaves our system. All Rights Reserved. Most people pass gas at least 12 times per day. Ferrous Sulfate. The build-up of stool in your colon will attract bacteria to work on it and the by-product will be some foul-smelling gas and stinky feces. It is advisable for that you eat slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust, Dietary changes can also reduce foul smelling gas. If you experience flatulence with ferrous sulfate, ask your doctor about switching to ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate. Clinical evidence, dosage, safety and how IP6 differs from myo-inositol. Rather than reaching for a pill, start by adding iron-rich foods to your meal plan, the highest of which include: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to the UK's food watchdog group, the Food Standards Agency, if 2,000 to 10,000 mg per day of vitamin C are consumed, it can cause flatulence and intake above 15,000 mg may cause stomach pain and diarrhea. Heather Gloria began writing professionally in 1990. Read More. If you think you are feeling worse after taking iron supplements, it's common to experience some side effects of iron pills ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate forms included. Here are some causes: Lactose intolerance or lactose malabsorption is a condition in which a person is unable to digest the lactose (a sugar present in milk). diseases that inhibit absorption. Doctors typically prescribe one of three types of iron supplements: ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. Collagen can make you feel down in the dumps. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Upset Stomach. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) in foods that arent completely digested in our intestines, according to Monash University. Gastrointestinal discomfort Take iron pills with meals to When used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements are sometimes effective and well-tolerated and, in other cases not. And as we know, the more iron your body can absorb, the less side effects youll experience and the more balanced your iron levels will be. The foul-smelling farts you are emitting could be a side effect of the medication you are currently undergoing. When food isn't absorbed properly, it sits in your GI tract and decomposes, which causes foul-smelling gas, Dr. Sonpal says. Anyway, I've been taking 75mg of iron supplements (as ferrous succinate) for a couple of weeks now. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The current state of your microbiota (also known as your bacteria or gut flora), . One of the worst effects of collagen supplementation is that it can mess with your mood. For adults, doctors typically prescribe a standard dose of 325 milligrams of iron supplements, which you take one to three times per day. Stop taking iron supplements and see your doctor if your gas is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss; oily, bloody, tarry or unusually foul-smelling stools; nausea; vomiting or heartburn. You have cramps, Camaschella, C. Iron deficiency. You can also vary the amount of iron in your pill dose by changing the type of iron salt youre taking. Protein powder and drinks, as well as nutrition bars, can also cause gas and bloating in some people.
