How to Prevent Stomach Upset from Vitamins

Co-authored by Roy Nattiv, MD

Last Updated: April 2, 2022 References Approved

In today's busy world, it is often difficult to eat a well-balanced diet. Taking a variety of types of vitamins in the form of supplements can help ensure that you are getting the recommended daily allowances. However, some individuals experience stomach upset from the vitamins they consume. The problem is especially evident in those who have sensitive stomachs or are taking certain types of vitamins or high doses. It is important to talk to your doctor and evaluate your daily routine to learn how to prevent stomach upset from vitamins.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Vitamins Properly

1
Take your vitamins with food. You shouldn't take vitamins on an empty stomach, especially if you're taking fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, or K. If you take them with a meal, the vitamins will be absorbed better and they'll cause less symptoms.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.}
- You should also avoid taking your vitamins before bed.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Roy Nattiv, MD
  Board Certified Gastroenterologist
  Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.}
2
Experiment on the mode of vitamin. Try different forms of vitamins such as liquids or capsules and dosages to figure out what is less likely to cause your stomach to be upset.

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3
Take the recommended dosage. To decrease the likelihood of stomach upset from vitamins, never take more than indicated on the label or that is prescribed by your doctor.
4
Skip the caffeine while taking certain vitamins. Some medicines and vitamins interact with caffeine found in coffee or tea. Caffeine can also change the way your body absorbs vitamins. ^{[3]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Caffeine may interfere with the absorption of vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, Iron, vitamin B, and others.^{[4]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute
  Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach
  Go to source}
5
Be consistent. You should take your vitamins on a regular schedule and at the same time of day. You can set an alarm to avoid forgetting or taking vitamins late. You can also take your vitamins immediately following dinner, if you eat a consistent time, to follow a consistent time table.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Gathering Information about Vitamins

1
Ask your doctor if you need to take vitamin supplements if they upset your stomach. If you are eating a well-balanced diet, she might advise you that taking extra vitamins is not necessary. Consult your doctor about alternatives if the problem of stomach upset from vitamins persists.
2
Determine the correct type and dosage of vitamins. This will help you not only avoid harming your stomach, but also best help your body. You should never take vitamins without first consulting your doctor.
3
Know what to take and why. If your diet is consistent or you suffer from a chronic disorder, you may include vitamins to your daily routine to supplement what your body is missing.
- Vegetarians should consider taking iron daily. This provides protein otherwise found in meats.^{[5]
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  Research source}
- People living without a lot of natural sunlight, or people who do not go outside regularly, should take Vitamin D. The sun naturally produces this vitamin, but people often lack enough. People who have office jobs or live in a climate without a lot of sunlight are especially at risk for Vitamin D deficiency.
- If your immune system is suppressed, or if it is flu and cold season, take Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural immune booster and can help your body resist illness.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating Vitamin Side-Effects

1
Adjust your diet according to how you’re feeling. If your stomach is sensitive to vitamins, eating a balanced diet rich in lean meats, fish, fruit and vegetables will reduce your need to take them.
2
Avoid taking vitamins on an empty stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach or you take vitamins and upset stomach occurs, always take them after you have eaten. Vitamins on an empty stomach can make the problem worse.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
Settle stomach aches and cramps by eating bland foods. White bread and plain white rice are both foods that are easy on the stomach and digestion. Other foods suggested for a stomach ache or nausea include bananas and mint. ^{[7]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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4
Soothe your stomach with peppermint. Though there is little scientific evidence to support peppermint as a remedy, there are many anecdotal reports of peppermint helping to soothe an upset stomach. Try brewing a peppermint tea, which may relax your stomach muscles.^{[8]
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Research source}
- Do not take peppermint if you have acid reflux or GERD.
- Other natural remedies thought to help soothe the stomach include ginger and caraway.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Does drinking Ensure cause your stomach does make weird noises?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

No, drinking Ensure should not cause bloating or weird noises in the stomach. If you having GI distress from drinking Ensure I would talk with your doctor.
Question

How can I keep my daily vitamin from upsetting my stomach?

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Roy Nattiv is a Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience he specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. He completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). While at UCSF, he was a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) fellowship trainee and was awarded the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Fellow to Faculty Award in Pediatric IBD Research. Dr. Nattiv received his undergrad degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree (MD) from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Roy Nattiv, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It's always best to take vitamins with a meal, especially if it contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, or K. That way, they will be absorbed better and cause less symptoms.

Warnings

Never stop taking vitamins that your doctor recommended or prescribed without consulting with him or her. Discuss your upset stomach with your doctor and ask about ways to manage it.

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If you experience nausea or vomiting, this could be a sign that you have taken too much of a particular vitamin. If this occurs, see a medical professional immediately.

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