do iron supplements cause smelly gas?
Iron deficiency can occur in children, for example, because their bodies grow so quickly. As a result, the sugar is fermented by bacteria in your gut thus leading to the formation of foul-smelling gas. As I stated earlier, there are many reasons why you could be emitting the smelly farts. The cause of the constipation is the iron itself, not any added ingredient. Usually taken orally, iron supplements help to build red blood cells and keep your iron levels balanced. Learn which is better for you and compare krill oil vs. fish oil, including evidence from clinical studies, EPA and DHA content, price, and side effects. For some people, taking certain supplements, such as the digestive enzymes lactase and alpha-galactosidase, may also be beneficial. Amer J Med. In addition, certain conditions may increase your need for iron, according to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Increase magnesium intake, which can be found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. According to MedlinePlus, these are some symptoms from taking iron supplements: You shouldn't be alarmed if your stools are very dark. The amount of iron you need on a daily basis depends on your age and gender. 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. Iron Deficiency vs. Iron Deficiency Anemia: Whats the difference? Rebalancing your microbiome with probiotics may improve reflux symptoms (6, 7). The confession inspired me to write an article about smelly flatulence causes and cure so that I can at least save another couple from breaking up. Mayo Clinic: "Iron Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route)", UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: "Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol, Slow FE) Side Effects and Uses", Chest Iron supplements start to absorb into the body immediatelyespecially when taken on an empty or near-empty stomach. MedlinePlus.com recommends avoiding gas-producing foods such as beans and cabbage 2. Next time, you have this problem, keep a record of what you are eating. Swelling. Iron deficiency anemia: a common and curable disease. They all have a distinctive odor, she 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). An ideal bowel movement appears medium brown and has a slight smell. The problem is that you have a stomach and gut with the main job of digestion. Side effects like cramps (. ) When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. February 4, 2023 Leah. When used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, the duration of therapy may be as long as six months. But before it gets there, your stomach acids will try to break it down. So youve passed some gas and it smells, er, funky. Ferosoms LCE coating is like an iron bodyguard, shielding the supplement as it travels through the digestive system. Typically, these are mild for most people. Ferrous Sulfate. Fiber supplements are safe; generic brands can save you some money. Foods that contain large amounts of indigestible carbohydrates can result in gas, as these carbohydrates are digested by bacteria in the colon. 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. But not all of us are interested in stocking up on liver and bison burgers. Moreover, it contributes to the transmission of nerve signals to and from the brain. Protein powder and drinks, as well as nutrition bars, can also cause gas and bloating in some people. It's also caused me to have extremely nasty gas (even the dog leaves the room). Gas is produced when the foods we eat are broken down and processed, but also by the good and bad bacteria we have in our colon and small intestine, explains Niket Sonpal, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist. Below, an expert breaks down everything you need to know about what causes smelly gas and how to get rid of it. Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. avoid symptoms of nausea, suggests MedlinePlus. Foods that contain unrefined cereal fiber (such as bran), sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, which is found in sugar-free gum and nutrition bars), and/or fructose may also cause gas (NHS Inform, Causes of Flatulence). Iron pills can change the colour of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. Krill oil, and to a lesser extent fish oil, may cause flatulence when taken in doses of 2 grams daily. If you have IBS or SIBO, following a low FODMAP diet may help you find some relief from your symptoms, but Dr. Wolf recommends working with a registered dietitian, who specializes in the diet and treats patients with IBS. Do not take iron supplements unless your doctor tells you to do so. J Res Med Sci. Iron. Common Side Effects of . Symptoms such as fatigue and impaired exercise capacity should prompt a diagnostic work-up for anemia (hemoglobin), iron status (transferrin saturation, ferritin) and . Other symptoms are bloating, abdominal cramping and nausea. Starting in adolescence, a woman's iron need will increase due to her monthly menstrual cycle. Flatulence, also called flatus, is gas that passes through your rectum 2. Gum chewing and carbonated beverages introduce additional gas into your gastrointestinal tract. People with celiac disease are unable to tolerate wheat (or anything with gluten, for that matter), so then that allergy to wheat causes an antibody to be produced. Iron. Side effects. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Vitamin and mineral supplements are not subject to rigorous testing in the United States and can vary from one brand to the next. Without sufficient iron, your body cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you healthy. The smelly gas from high FODMAP foods is due to bacteria is the gut breaking down the undigested food, as well as the sulfur compounds in the foods, Dr. Wolf explains. Always check the use-by date and discard any expired, discolored, or damaged supplements. They change your poop in some different ways including looks and smell. We will be very happy to hear from you. When food isn't absorbed properly, it sits in your GI tract and decomposes, which causes foul-smelling gas, Dr. Sonpal says. For example, iron supplements are known to cause gas and bloating. While you will generally get enough iron from the foods you eat, there may be times when you may experience an iron deficiency. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol which are present in diet drinks and some chewing gum cannot be fully absorbed by the body and therefore travel to the large intestines where they play a role in the production of excessive smelly gas. When a person's . These charcoal with pores is called activated charcoal and is used for medicinal purposes to trap chemicals. Anemia is a condition characterized by the lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. sharp pains or soreness in your stomach, Stomach and intestines: liver damage, nausea and vomiting The four reasons why nuts make you gassy are: Nuts are high in fiber. But this supplement still has some side effects to be aware of. Iron supplements are generally safe if taken as advised by your doctor, and the dosage varies depending on how severe your condition is. 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do iron supplements cause smelly gas. 2017;130(8):991.e1-991.e8. How to Create a Safe and Supportive Environment for Independent Living, 6 Steps to Safely Dispose of Medical Waste at Home 2023 Guide, How Can You Choose the Right Care Home Questions That You Should Be Asking, Can Varicose Veins Go Away? Eat more whole grain foods and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, zucchini and celery. Iron pills, if taken correctly, can replenish the iron in your blood to normal after about two months, but MedlinePlus suggests you should continue to take the supplements for another six to 12 months to build up the iron stores in your body's bone marrow. 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. Moreover, a lot of medications are encased with sorbitol a sugar alcohol that can cause GI distress.. A combination of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol may cause flatulence in some people. include adequate amounts of fiber in your diet to combat this symptom. 1. iron absorption, such as spinach, nuts, beans, and egg whites. Summary. MedlinePlus.com recommends avoiding gas-producing foods such as beans and cabbage 2. So if you experience foul-smelling gas after eating foods made of wheat, barley, rye, or any combination of those, then you want to check in with your doctor about getting tested for celiac disease. Add Colace or a stool softener. Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. Turns out, the food you eat can affect the way your gas smellscausing that metallic or rotten egg odor youre experiencing. This may be reduced by reducing the dose or dividing it over the course of the day. A few examples are: Aspirin. So if youre asking yourself, Why does my gas smell like metal? its likely due to certain foods in your diet. Women of childbearing age, premature infants, young children, and people with chronic conditions are at greater risk of anemia. It all comes down to the coating and the form. Not everyone can tolerate taking calcium supplements regularly and one of the . FAQ: W. National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases. Parasites in the body can also result in smelly stool or gas. All other cases are largely hit or miss in their response., If iron supplements are unable to provide relief, intravenous (IV) iron therapy or a blood transfusion may be needed.. Take it slow, since these foods often increase intestinal gas. It also boosts the immune system, aids cognitive function, and supports healthy skin, hair, and nails. Heather Gloria began writing professionally in 1990. 2023 ConsumerLab.com, LLC. Do not take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at the same time. Medication and Supplements Effects during Pregnancy. Certain prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements can do a number on your gut, including making your farts foul smelling. Okan, M.; Koch, T.; Tran, M. et al. Conditions such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and others can cause excessive flatulence. This requires a commitment on your part. 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? But before it gets there, your stomach acids will try to break it down. In some instances, however, people taking iron supplements may experience the following symptoms . Nuts contains phytic acid. Lactose intolerance the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy is one of the most common food intolerances that may cause smelly gas, according to Dr. Sonpal. Clin Toxicol (Phila). In this case, you will have to endure until you complete the dosage. This can happen if you have an infection from bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause diarrhea by forcing your poop to move through your system too quickly. Taking iron at least one hour before or two hours after a meal with a full glass of water or acidic juice, such as: Iron supplements are not the only factor that contributes to flatulence and alteration in bowel habits. Its also important to talk to your doctor to make sure you take the amount of iron you need, as too much iron also has its share of negative health implications. Iron supplements are available in stand-alone forms, including tablets, capsules, powders and liquids, or combined with other vitamins or minerals. Fibre supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil. Doctors typically prescribe one of three types of iron supplements: ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. While gastritis from oral iron supplements is rarer than other GI side effects, its important to consider when choosing which supplement to take. Iron is an essential element for blood production. Its Called Decision Fatigue. "The first thing you might want to do is think back to what you ate," Dr. Lee says. Adding extra collagen protein to your regimen could lead . Diarrhea medicines, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Lomotil. A few examples are: Aspirin. Any of these can lead to increased flatulence. The foul-smelling farts you are emitting could be a side effect of the medication you are currently undergoing. 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). Guidelines for the management of IDA in GI conditions are lacking. Other drugs that can cause embarrassing flatulence are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS . Bleeding Ulcer. However, most protein sources come with nutrients and other things that cause it. So, whats the alternative? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Any of these can lead to increased flatulence. Anyway, I've been taking 75mg of iron supplements (as ferrous succinate) for a couple of weeks now. According to Dr. Ravella, super-smelly . Try HUM Nutritions Gut Instinct, made of a vegan blend of 10 strains to support a balanced gut microbiome and healthy digestion. And it can occur when using Metamucil, too. 1. This is not due to the protein itself but . 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. Dark stools. 1. Thats a major bummer if you thought your new diet was #goals. For adults, doctors typically prescribe a standard dose of 325 milligrams of iron supplements, which you take one to three times per day. If you experience flatulence with ferrous sulfate, ask your doctor about switching to ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate. If you think that your gas, burping, or bloating may be caused by a medicine or supplement: Call the doctor who . Taking the appropriate dosage of iron is unlikely to cause any side effects. . The more active you are, the more iron you may need to take. 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. Constipation is the most common side effect, but iron supplements can also cause nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating. Its also in some birth control pills, so make sure to read the ingredients labels of foods and supplements carefully, per the Cleveland Clinic. little tmi but i have noticed since i have been taking my iron supplementsi have had horrible gas, and by horrible i mean constant and the smell could gag a pig jamielgray Posted 2/5/09 Remember, the cells that line your intestine can only absorb a certain amount of iron at a time. The physician may advise a change of medication or sometimes the effectiveness of the dosage outweighs the side effects. Gas and bloating. Although unabsorbed iron is eliminated naturally when we go to the bathroom, it can wreak havoc before it leaves our system. Which supplements may help reduce flatulence? The vitamin C in orange juice is said to boost absorption. convulsions (seizures) pale, clammy skin. (Howard LeWine, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. unusual tiredness or weakness. If your iron supplement is working, you should notice an increase in energy levels; however, when this will occur varies from person to person. Iron Supplementation, Response in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Analysis of Five Trials. Most people get sufficient iron from their diet. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The following are some of the most common causes of gas and bloating: Medicines or nutritional supplements. Foods with artificial colors are a common culprit. Fiber supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids and try to be more physically active. * We do not sell or share your personal information with anyone else, ever. Celiac disease is another reason you might have foul-smelling farts, Dr. Sonpal says. Food Intolerance. Once started, you would need to continue treatment even if you feel better and no longer have symptoms. High fiber foods also . Most people can fulfill their iron needs through food, such as meat. A: Iron is hard on the digestive tract. Iron supplements can degrade when exposed to excessive temperatures and UV radiation. Antacids. Those with heavy menstrual bleeding or individuals with gastrointestinal-induced anemia tend to be moderate responders. It is important to make sure you take the correct dosage because too much iron can be dangerous. Flatulence may be a sign of a more serious condition. Gastritis involves inflammation of the lining of the stomach and upper abdominal pain. Plus, Ferosom is microencapsulated in Liposomal form, which means it doesnt have to be converted for your body to absorb it. Symptoms of an iron overdose can affect the entire body and include: Stomach and intestines: liver damage, nausea and vomiting blood, metallic taste in mouth, black bloody stools. If you are taking iron in a liquid form, tooth staining may be a side effect. ), Copyright 2023 - Chicago Health. Most people with this condition do not know that they have it because its symptoms are related to other diseases. It takes longer for these foods to break down in your digestive system, so they ferment over time. do iron supplements cause smelly gas? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Iron supplements sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. *eye roll*. Metallic-smelling gas might also come from B vitamins, iron, dyes, and preservatives in supplements, as well as NSAIDs, laxatives, and statins, Dr. Wolf says. Occasionally, your stool might have a different hue. Related Posts. Table of Contents show. diseases that inhibit absorption. Check out some of the possible reasons why your gas smells so bad, below. And what can you do about it? Other digestive enzymes known as lactase enzymes may help improve the digestion of lactose (milk sugar) and decrease gas, bloating and diarrhea in people who are lactose intolerant. Surprisingly, most of the gas within a fart is odorless, and only a very small percent (around 1 percent) causes the signature foul smell of farts. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help improve your health and also kill the bad bacteria that feeds on carbohydrates to produce foul flatulence. Taking an extremely higher than recommended amount of iron supplements could result in a severe iron overdose. In some cases, it can even lead to internal bleeding and stomach ulcers. I thought iron supplements were supposed to cause constipation, but I'm in the exact opposite situation. Most Iron Supplements Cause GI Side Effects. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. You ate a bunch of sulfur-heavy foods. Probiotics for acid reflux: Acid reflux shows a connection with dysbiosis, as well (5). Iron supplements are a great way to battle anemia and reverse an iron deficiency, especially if diet changes alone are unsuccessful. 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. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits, vegetables, and fibre each day. Consulting a registered dietitian, who specializes in IBS and SIBO, may also help you figure out a meal plan that will identify which foods may trigger your symptoms. By Tracee Cornforth And what can you do about it? However, it can take four to six months of daily iron supplements to fully resolve a case of iron deficiency anemia. Amer J Med. You may notice that you have less constipation if you take your iron supplement with food. Certain vitamins, supplements and a type of prescription drugs can cause stinky farts. 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. This increase in iron can also improve brain function, from basic learning to memory. Anemia is a condition in which you dont have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Reason 10: probiotics. If you need fiber, go with dietary changes before supplements. "The body . Clinical evidence, dosage, safety and how IP6 differs from myo-inositol. Nuts Are High In Fiber. Constipation. 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. "Whether it was . Common side-effects include stomach upset, constipation and diarrhoea. et al. Supplements containing fiber and some diabetes medicines can also make you gassy. Because of the inherent danger of overdosing with iron supplements, upper limits have been established as a guideline, according to NIH. Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Iron supplements are sold as tablets, capsules, and liquid. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. A: Iron is hard on the digestive tract. Some digestive enzymes, including alpha-galactosidase (Beano) can help break down indigestible nutrients such as plant fiber. In the meantime, here are some possible reasons why your farts smell so bad. such as celiac disease, Stomach This is normal. Diabetes drugs called alpha-glucosidase which slow carbohydrate absorption can make you gassy. may increase the amount of iron you absorb. Then slowly increase your dosing every few days, as tolerated, until you reach your daily intake. It occurs when the colon absorbs too much water from the food. Which supplements help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse? It is advisable for that you eat slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust, Dietary changes can also reduce foul smelling gas. Enter, iron supplements. A number of things can cause SIBO, including developing gastroenteritis (stomach virus) and taking antibiotics, Dr. Sonpal says. If this is the case, consider what you've eaten. The condition is common and one of the above remedies is supposed to cure your smelly farts. 2. Passing gas more than 20 times per day is not normal. 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. The cause of the constipation is the iron itself, not any added ingredient. 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. for unusual substances, such as dirt or ice, Poor Other chemical compounds include ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate. Another cause behind that smell, though, can be B-6 vitamins, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If youre passing gas more often, or if flatulence interferes with your daily routine, see your doctor 2. In that case, your bile . Upset Stomach. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Taking a smaller dose may decrease the amount of iron you absorb, but for some people, it may also mean less flatulence and other side effects. drink a lot of water to help with constipation. Nuts have tannins. Cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage), Alliaceous vegetables (like onions, leeks, and garlic). If they get bombarded, that increases the risk of unabsorbed iron and painful GI problems. Learn more about Ferosom Forte and how it can improve your iron journey: https://www.ferosomcanada.com/, If you have questions, please reach us at:1-888-622-3613, info@ferosomcanada.comHours: 9am to 6pm EST, Monday to Friday.
do iron supplements cause smelly gas?