Typically, supplements can be a great way to fit any nutrients into your diet that you may not be getting from the food you eat. Providing your body with all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to thrive is an important part of keeping it happy and healthy. However, it’s important to remember that many supplements can also put you at risk for a range of side effects—in fact, some can even be dangerous.
By keeping yourself educated on the possible risks at hand, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions about which supplements you add to your own routine in order to meet your personal health needs. If you struggle with gas, bloating, and other digestive issues, for example, there’s one type of supplement in particular you may want to be wary of.
To shed some light on a supplement that could lead to or worsen digestive issues like bloating, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that iron supplements could take a toll on your gut health. Read on to learn more.
Iron supplements and digestive issues
Iron is an important mineral when it comes to your body's development, as well as your energy levels. Ensuring you're fitting enough of it into your diet will help to reduce fatigue, improve both your mental and physical performance, and even boost your immune system. Many people opt for a supplement in order to make sure they're consuming healthy levels of this mineral. However, Richards warns about the toll this could take on your digestion.
"Iron supplements can cause gut health concerns and bloating due to their potential to irritate the digestive system," she notes. "Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, but excessive amounts of iron can be difficult for the body to process."
This issue arises when you're consuming too much iron and it's not properly absorbed. "When iron supplements are consumed, unabsorbed iron can accumulate in the intestines, leading to irritation and inflammation," Richards explains. "This irritation may cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and constipation."
The type of iron supplement you choose could also make a difference in how your digestive system responds. "Some forms of iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, are known to be more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects," she points out.
Additionally, she says, "Individuals with sensitive digestive systems or those taking high doses of iron supplements may be at a higher risk of experiencing gut health concerns and bloating."
It's important to remember that your gut health plays a major role in your overall wellness, so avoiding disruption in your digestive system is a vital part of keeping your body in the best shape possible.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to fit iron into your body without relying on supplements. By choosing iron-rich foods, you're much less likely to consume too much of the mineral, and your digestive system can continue running as smoothly as possible.
