A 23-year-old member asked:
Are upset stomach and constipation normal after starting to use iron supplements?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Crespinanswered
Gastroenterology 29 years experience
Yes: Iron frequently leads to upset stomach and constipation. Although iron can be dosed up to 3 x per day. Most patients cannot tolerate that often due to the abdominal pain that it causes. Sometimes adding vitamin C helps with iron absorption.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jack Hinkleanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Yes: Both of these are common side effects to the use of iron supplements and can be a challenge to there effective use.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Helle Lukkanswered
Family Medicine 41 years experience
Yes: Constipation when using iron products is very common, but it also depends on diet, activity and fluid intake. All of these help to lessen symptoms of constipation overall. Having a high fiber diet also helps. If you have significant constipation when using iron- be sure to talk to your doctor to see if you have other options.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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