Many people in the U.S. don’t get enough vitamin D or iron, and these two nutrients are very important for health. About 25% of people don’t get enough vitamin D, and around 10 million have an iron deficiency.
However, taking too much of these vitamins in supplement form can lead to uncomfortable side effects. According to experts, it’s crucial to pay attention to these effects.
Dr. Geetanjali Akerkar explained to Parade that iron is vital because it helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Since the body doesn’t produce iron alone, we have to get it from food or supplements. Iron is also important for gut health, as Dr. Augustine Tawadros noted because it helps maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Without enough iron, the gut can’t work either, leading to digestive issues.
However, Parade emphasized that taking iron supplements can sometimes cause side effects like constipation, nausea, or an upset stomach.
Dr. Asma Khapra mentioned that some people may need to try different types of iron supplements to find one that doesn’t upset their stomach.
If you notice your stool getting darker after taking iron, Parade advises checking with a doctor because it could be a sign of something more serious, like bleeding.
For vitamin D, it’s important because, like iron, it helps maintain a healthy gut. Dr. Tawadros told Parade that vitamin D supports the good bacteria in the gut and keeps harmful bacteria from causing infections.
Research also shows that vitamin D might help protect against colon cancer, according to Dr. Khapra.
Most people handle vitamin D supplements well, but if they cause an upset stomach, Dr. Akerkar recommends taking them with food.
There’s also a chance of getting too much vitamin D, especially if it’s in other supplements like a multivitamin. When this happens, Parade warns that it could cause symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and dehydration.
To avoid these issues, Parade suggests eating a varied diet and spending time in the sun to get these nutrients naturally.
Supplements should only be used to fill in gaps when necessary, and if you have any side effects, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/vitamin-side-effects-to-pay-attention-to-according-to-gastroenterologists