The problem is that you have a stomach and gut with the main job of digestion. It is important to make sure you take the correct dosage because too much iron can be dangerous. Poop Astrology: What Your Sign Says About Your #2, supports a flatter stomach + healthy digestion, 2023 HUM Nutrition Inc. All rights reserved, The gut-loving fruit salad you never knew you need, You asked & now were here to tell! However, most protein sources come with nutrients and other things that cause it. Avoid fatty foods and the sulfur-rich meals I mentioned earlier. Iron plays a key role in making red blood cells that transport oxygen molecules throughout the body. Clin Toxicol (Phila). It is not meant in any way as a substitute for the professional advice provided by your physician or any other healthcare professional. Most iron-deficient people start to feel better within a few days. Other lactose-containing foods you want to be aware of are lunch meats, coffee creamers, and salad dressings. Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, and palms of hands. A metallic smell on your body is typically triggered by handling metals or from your body burning protein rather than glucose during a workout. Iron supplements can sometimes cause stools to appear a dark green that is almost black. Check the product label or speak with your pharmacist who can show you the difference.). Another cause behind that smell, though, can be B-6 vitamins, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Next time, you have this problem, keep a record of what you are eating. The foul-smelling farts you are emitting could be a side effect of the medication you are currently undergoing. Metallic taste. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and the most difficult for patients to tolerate. (See how much lactose is in various foods.) pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath, Cravings So if youre asking yourself, Why does my gas smell like metal? its likely due to certain foods in your diet. Q: I have anemia and need to take an iron supplement, but its making me very constipated. Consumerlab.com's answer explains. It's time to answer the questions which you are probably too embarrassed to ask your friend, let alone your girl/boyfriend! One of the worst effects of collagen supplementation is that it can mess with your mood. Any suggestions? Celiac disease can cause bad smelling flatulence because the undigested gluten is fed on by the bacteria in the colon thus releasing the bad smell. appetite, especially in infants and children, Constipation or diarrhea Drink plenty of fluids and Without sufficient iron, your body cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you healthy. * We do not sell or share your personal information with anyone else, ever. Psyllium can cause bloating and gas, especially when you first start taking it. Avoid iron overloading by spacing out your doses and trying not to exceed 150 mg of iron per dose. The following are some of the most common causes of gas and bloating: Medicines or nutritional supplements. Iron supplements are known to cause gas and bloating. So if your doctor determines that you have lactose intolerance or celiac disease, for instance, you would eliminate lactose and gluten from your diet, and that should help relieve your symptoms, Dr. Sonpal says. iron absorption, such as spinach, nuts, beans, and egg whites. Sometimes smelly farts can be a symptom of serious problems like colon cancer. While gastritis from oral iron supplements is rarer than other GI side effects, its important to consider when choosing which supplement to take. Michigan Medicine. Enter, iron supplements. 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. Medicines With Bismuth. Iron supplements are known to cause gas and bloating. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. Iron pills, available as various ferrous ion salts, can be beneficial to treat a deficiency with the proper dosage but taking too much can result in health risks of toxicity, including acute liver damage. What are the side effects of iron supplements for anemia? If you experience flatulence with ferrous sulfate, ask your doctor about switching to ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate. Your body only absorbs 10 to 20 percent of the iron you ingest, while the rest remains behind in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can cause side effects. But for those of us who have iron deficiencies, supplements are often the most effective way to boost our iron intake and keep our health in check. While you will generally get enough iron from the foods you eat, there may be times when you may experience an iron deficiency. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is dependent on your . 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. Vitamin E may result in unpleasant side effects, including flatulence and diarrhea if you are taking large doses, particularly on a . It is important to keep in mind that taking iron supplements can cause side effects. sharp pains or soreness in your stomach, Stomach and intestines: liver damage, nausea and vomiting This a parasitic disease caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia which is normally present in feces, contaminated food or water. 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. Side effects. Here, digestion experts share eight common causes of unusually smelly farts and when to see your doctor about it. 9 Best Iron For Citrus . The Medicine Cabinet Ask the Harvard Experts. 1980;355:32-44. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1980.tb21325.x. Although iron supplements usually turn stools black, they can sometimes cause dark green stool. And most of all, take your iron supplements with food whenever you can. When you eat gluten, your immune system will damage the lining of your small intestines making absorption of certain nutrients impossible. Add Colace or a stool softener. Seek immediate medical care if you experience a possible anaphylactic reaction to iron. These include: hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol and dimethyl sulphide. Sulfur-rich foods. The cure for smelly farts is depended on the causes. Addressing dysbiosis with probiotics has been shown to decrease the amount of gas produced in your gut (4). Amer J Med. Foods that contain large amounts of indigestible carbohydrates can result in gas, as these carbohydrates are digested by bacteria in the colon. Iron Supplementation, Response in Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Analysis of Five Trials. For example, garlic can cause metallic-smelling gas and cruciferous vegetables can cause a rotten egg smell, Dr. Wolf says. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transfers oxygen from your lungs to every tissue in your body. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids and try to be more physically active. High fiber foods. The trade-off is that it replaces your iron more slowly. The disease causes excessive foul smelly flatulence and greasy yellowish stool. If you are taking iron in a liquid form, tooth staining may be a side effect. Knowing what causes stinky farts is a step in the right direction towards finding a solution. The secret to fighting anemia? ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals. February 4, 2023 Leah. Be alerted to newclinical findings & warnings. 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. Allergic reactions. Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews. So, why exactly do most iron supplements cause these side effects? Office of Dietary Supplements/National Institutes of Health. Avoid taking iron supplements at the same time as high-fiber foods or caffeine, which can hinder absorption. Check out some of the possible reasons why your gas smells so bad, below. 2023 ConsumerLab.com, LLC. Increase magnesium intake, which can be found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. If you have a smelly farts problem, mix 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with a glass of water then drink before a meal. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-reduce-or-that-may-worsen-flatulence/supplements-for-flatulence/. Summary. Learn more about sugar alcohols, including maltitol and lactitol, why some products contain them, and possible side effects. Below are five potential Metamucil side effects: 1. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. This may be reduced by reducing the dose or dividing it over the course of the day. Gastritis involves inflammation of the lining of the stomach and upper abdominal pain. Foods with artificial colors are a common culprit. The following are some of the best remedies for this condition: When common charcoal is heated in the presence of a gas, it develops internal spaces or pores. They also had normal iron levels in the blood. For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. And it can occur when using Metamucil, too. Doctors typically prescribe one of three types of iron supplements: ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. Certain prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements can do a number on your gut, including making your farts foul smelling. Try the following tips to prevent and manage stomach upset while taking iron supplements: Taking too much iron can lead to iron overload. If the stool color bothers you, you can work with your physician to lower your dosage. This blog breaks down everything you need to know, including what makes a good iron supplement, well, good. Iron. Speak with your healthcare provider if you intend to use iron supplements and take these or any other chronic medication. The digestive system easily cleaves the bond between powder and anti-foaming agent, and this is where the supplement causes gas and bloating. Iron supplements sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Reason 8: too little fiber. (See our Top Picks among tested lactase supplements.) Starting in adolescence, a woman's iron need will increase due to her monthly menstrual cycle. A Paleo diet that is high in meat is said to cause a metallic odor, Dr. Wolf says. To get a general sense of how common these are . Find out which supplements should be taken with food, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, fish oil, and CoQ10. Try HUM Nutritions Gut Instinct, made of a vegan blend of 10 strains to support a balanced gut microbiome and healthy digestion. Iron ingestion: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Miller JL. Once started, you would need to continue treatment even if you feel better and no longer have symptoms. Its Called Decision Fatigue. These include: Iron supplements are also commonly prescribed to women of childbearing age to help prevent anemia. Iron supplements sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Diarrhea. Many nonprescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Typically, these are mild for most people. It occurs when the colon absorbs too much water from the food. Gum chewing and carbonated beverages introduce additional gas into your gastrointestinal tract. Stomach cramps. Do Iron Supplements Make Poop Smell. Remember, foul-smelling gas once in a while is OK, but its chronic, we have to get to the bottom of why its happening, Dr. Sonpal says. By signing up to receive our weekly newsletter, The Wellnest, you agree to our privacy policy. Symptoms of an iron overdose can affect the entire body and include: Symptoms of iron toxicity may decrease in a few hours, then return again after one or more days. According to a 2015 review of studies in the American Journal of Medicine, as many as 27% with people with iron-deficiency anemia will not respond to oral iron supplements. There are brands of iron that also contain a stool softener. When a person's . Iron poisoning symptoms usually become apparent within six to 24 hours of a dose. When used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements are sometimes effective and well-tolerated and, in other cases not. 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. Collagen can make you feel down in the dumps. Opioid pain medicines. Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues. ulcer, colon polyps or hiatal hernia, Intestinal MedlinePlus.com recommends avoiding gas-producing foods such as beans and cabbage 2. Bloating and gas are common adverse effects of many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Extra iron in your blood can be toxic to the liver, heart, and pancreas and may cause damage to the joints, as well. 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. If you experience flatulence or other gastrointestinal side effects, the NIH suggests you start with half the recommended dose. As a result, the sugar is fermented by bacteria in your gut thus leading to the formation of foul-smelling gas. If youre already very constipated, adding more fiber may temporarily make things worse. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. August 20, 2022 by Sandra Hearth. This is not due to the protein itself but . Fatty meats contain large amounts of methionine, which contains sulfur and is broken down in the gut to hydrogen sulfide to cause a rotten egg smell.. Iron supplements, also known as "iron pills," are commonly used to prevent and treat anemia. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.03.045. et al. Food Intolerance. However, iron can be rough on your gastrointestinal tract and some people need to take it with a small amount of food. Numbness, pain, or tingling of hands or feet, Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds, Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation, Eat more vegetables and fiber-rich foods to prevent or treat constipation, Take with food to minimize or prevent stomach discomfort, Iron-fortified breakfast cereals: 18 mg per cup, Kidney beans (canned): 2 mg per cup serving, Canned sardines in oil: 2 mg per cup serving, Chickpeas (canned): 2 mg per cup serving, Braised bottom round beef: 2 mg per 3-ounce serving, Baked potatoes: 1 mg per medium-sized potato, Green beans (cooked): 1 mg per cup serving. Constipation is the most common side effect, but iron supplements can also cause nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating. Iron. J Res Med Sci. . Common Side Effects of . Doing so can help prevent or treat many of the common symptoms of iron deficiency, including:. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. First things first, ask your doctor for their recommendation. Iron Supplements. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Her work has appeared in several professional and peer-reviewed publications including "Nutrition in Clinical Practice." Usually taken orally, iron supplements help to build red blood cells and keep your iron levels balanced. It may not always be easy to identify . Still trying to get my head around all this. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.