For some people, taking certain supplements, such as the digestive enzymes lactase and alpha-galactosidase, may also be beneficial. 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. Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. To ensure quality and safety, opt for supplements that have been tested and approved by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Here, digestion experts share eight common causes of unusually smelly farts and when to see your doctor about it. Moreover, it contributes to the transmission of nerve signals to and from the brain. ), Copyright 2023 - Chicago Health. These include: hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol and dimethyl sulphide. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Iron supplement may cause mild foul smell stool with black color ., have headaches . Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. Another cause behind that smell, though, can be B-6 vitamins, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. But if you still have the problem even after trying, then you need to see a doctor. are just a few of the GI issues caused by low iron absorption. If your farts have a rotten egg smell, then it is probably because you are eating too many sulfur-rich foods. The vitamin C in orange juice is said to boost absorption. It only becomes a problem when you start passing excessively smelly gas. Most people can fulfill their iron needs through food, such as meat. Call your doctor if you have any of the following: Side effects from iron supplements can make it difficult for some people to comply with treatment. This increase in iron can also improve brain function, from basic learning to memory. The bottom line: Get checked out if your stools smell metallic. This is generally not recommended, though, because you wont absorb as much of your iron dose if you take it with your meal. First things first, ask your doctor for their recommendation. Avoid taking iron pills on an empty stomach, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): Find out if IP6 (also known as phytic acid) can prevent or treat cancer. Certain prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements can do a number on your gut, including making your farts foul smelling. Iron supplements . Women of childbearing age, premature infants, young children, and people with chronic conditions are at greater risk of anemia. This leads to incredibly high, IV-level absorption rates. But if youre asking yourself, Why do my farts smell so bad? theres a perfectly reasonable explanation. The HUM subscription: wellness on your terms. Doing so can help prevent or treat many of the common symptoms of iron deficiency, including:. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Iron supplements come in three main forms. Avoid iron overloading by spacing out your doses and trying not to exceed 150 mg of iron per dose. 1. There are brands of iron that also contain a stool softener. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Flatulence, commonly referred to as "passing gas" or "farting," is a normal biological process the body uses to help get rid of small amounts of air that are swallowed or that build up during digestion. The more active you are, the more iron you may need to take. When food isn't absorbed properly, it sits in your GI tract and decomposes, which causes foul-smelling gas, Dr. Sonpal says. The change in smell is something that will happen. Some of the most common factors include: The simplest answer, however, is unabsorbed iron. high, IV-level absorption rates. Any of these can lead to increased flatulence. It is dependent on your . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". So, whats the alternative? She served as a Medical Advisor at Cigna, Physician Editor at MCG Health, and is currently a Physician Clinician Reviewer at Magellan Health. Iron Supplements. Mallory-Weiss Tear. Food Intolerance. 6. Your doctor may recommend that you take iron pills, but you should be aware there are side effects of iron pills and you may even experience feeling worse after taking iron supplements. In normal circumstances, everybody is going to produce a little bit of gas, he says. Fiber supplements are safe; generic brands can save you some money. Which supplements may help reduce flatulence? These include: Iron supplements are also commonly prescribed to women of childbearing age to help prevent anemia. The short answer is that certain iron supplements can cause your poop to have a metallic smell. If you have constipation from iron, one excellent solution is to ask your doctor for a liquid form of iron . It's also caused me to have extremely nasty gas (even the dog leaves the room). Foods that contain sulfur double down on smelly gas because when they get broken down in the gut, they cause sulfur-containing gases, such as methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide, according to this January 2021 UpToDate article. sharp pains or soreness in your stomach, Stomach and intestines: liver damage, nausea and vomiting While this is less common in the United States, it still does occur. Iron pills can change the colour of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. 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. Constipation affects more than eight million Americans every year and it involves painful egestion. Iron supplements are a great way to battle anemia and reverse an iron deficiency, especially if diet changes alone are unsuccessful. Iron supplements are known to cause gas and bloating. Without sufficient iron, your body cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you healthy. You can then experiment by gradually lowering your dose until you get to a level that does not cause you constipation. Farting or flatulence is a completely normal biological process caused by the internal buildup of gases during the digestion process. Mayo Clinic: "Iron Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route)", UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: "Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol, Slow FE) Side Effects and Uses", Chest If youre lactose intolerant, some milk-based foods you may want to avoid or choose non-dairy alternatives or lower-lactose options for are yogurt, ice cream, and cheese. For an iron supplement to be properly absorbed, it has to reach your intestine (where it then gets absorbed into your lymphatic stream and released into your liver). Stop taking iron supplements and see your doctor if your gas is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss; oily, bloody, tarry or unusually foul-smelling stools; nausea; vomiting or heartburn. Protein powder and drinks, as well as nutrition bars, can also cause gas and bloating in some people. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Certain vitamins, supplements and a type of prescription drugs can cause stinky farts. The reason they cause smelly gas differs by drug and person to person. Discovering need to treat high blood pressure may be too late. Changes in blood sugar. The cause of the constipation is the iron itself, not any added ingredient. Abbaspour N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R. Review on iron and its importance for human health. 9 Best Iron For Citrus . 2015;10(2):e0117383. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Extra iron in your blood can be toxic to the liver, heart, and pancreas and may cause damage to the joints, as well. Iron plays a key role in making red blood cells that transport oxygen molecules throughout the body. Do iron supplements cause smelly gas. The problem is that you have a stomach and gut with the main job of digestion. It is the sulfur compounds that cause gas to smell, and the formation of sulfur occurs by metabolism of food in the colon, principally by gut bacteria, says Jacqueline Wolf, MD, a gastroenterologist Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and author of A Womans Guide to a Healthy Stomach: Taking Control of Your Digestive Health. Some thoughts: Iron supplements will darken stool color as a side effect7 may effect the smell. Read More. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.03.045. If you think you are feeling worse after taking iron supplements, it's common to experience some side effects of iron pills ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate forms included. Sometimes smelly farts can be a symptom of serious problems like colon cancer. is an iron supplement brand that has developed proprietary technology to give their supplements an extra layer of protection against stomach acids. Eating something out of your norm or thats heavy or spicy is a likely cause of smelly gas, but, if your gas smells really bad and is chronic, youre probably wondering if its something more serious. Starting in adolescence, a woman's iron need will increase due to her monthly menstrual cycle. Lactose intolerance. Remember, the cells that line your intestine can only absorb a certain amount of iron at a time. The cure for smelly farts is depended on the causes. Increase magnesium intake, which can be found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. This increase in iron can also improve brain function, from basic learning to memory. unusual tiredness or weakness. To correct iron deficiency, you may need to take iron supplements. Reason 9: too much fiber. ), (For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. (Howard LeWine, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. However, because iron is primarily found in animal products, people who are on a restricted diet or are vegetarians may have low iron levels. Slow-release forms of iron may be less constipating, but they have their downside. Causes of smelly flatulence can range from harmless to potentially severe. Typically, these are mild for most people. Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What are the side effects of iron supplements for anemia? Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will posts that exceed 2,500 characters. Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse. All Rights Reserved. Nausea is a common side effect reported for many medications. Iron. Upset Stomach. Gas and bloating. Foods with artificial colors are a common culprit. You can also vary the amount of iron in your pill dose by changing the type of iron salt youre taking. It also details iron supplement side effects and how to manage constipation and stomach upset from taking iron pills. Some supplements can help reduce gas by breaking down gas-producing carbohydrates. Dizziness. Overall, edamame causes gas and bloating. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. But this supplement still has some side effects to be aware of. Try eliminating dairy products or switch to lactose-free dairy products and see if your symptoms improve. Table of Contents show. An ideal bowel movement appears medium brown and has a slight 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. Most people pass gas at least 12 times per day. Gas and bloating occur when they ferment with intestinal bacteria in the large intestine. The supplements that play the biggest role are probably kerp and iron. Available in capsule and sachet form, Ferosom Forte is Canadian-made, doctor-recommended, 100% vegan, and proven to work as well as certain doses of IV iron. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and the most difficult for patients to tolerate. 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. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Seriously, did you ever think a. of blood would be the problem with your period? Doctors typically prescribe one of three types of iron supplements: ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. Flatulence may be a sign of a more serious condition. Always check the use-by date and discard any expired, discolored, or damaged supplements. Consumerlab.com's answer explains. A: Iron is hard on the digestive tract. 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. If you have any suggestions and queries you can contact us on the below details. When a person's . Iron supplements are not the only factor that contributes to flatulence and alteration in bowel habits. Taking iron supplements that you dont need can lead to a serious condition called iron overload. Conditions such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and others can cause excessive flatulence. Anemia is a condition characterized by the lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Now if your smelly flatulence is caused by an infection, then it may take some time for it heals. may increase the amount of iron you absorb. Next time, you have this problem, keep a record of what you are eating. While protein itself won't cause you gas and bloat . The response to oral iron supplements can vary by the underlying cause. 10 Best Curling Iron For Tiny Curls . Other drugs that can cause embarrassing flatulence are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS . 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. 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. Clinical evidence, dosage, safety and how IP6 differs from myo-inositol. Medicines With Bismuth. Usually taken orally, iron supplements help to build red blood cells and keep your iron levels balanced. Iron supplements are generally safe if taken as advised by your doctor, and the dosage varies depending on how severe your condition is. But the different compounds in foods can cause different smells. 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. In this case, you will have to endure until you complete the dosage. Constipation is the most common side effect, but iron supplements can also cause nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating. It is important to make sure you take the correct dosage because too much iron can be dangerous. 2. Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, and palms of hands. This is because our system does not absorb or digest the sugar content. If you are taking iron in a liquid form, tooth staining may be a side effect. Many nonprescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. If you have a smelly farts problem, mix 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with a glass of water then drink before a meal. High fiber foods also . The probiotics can be found in yogurts, kefir, kombucha tea or you can just buy the supplements. If the stool color bothers you, you can work with your physician to lower your dosage. 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. To get a general sense of how common these are . / Why do most iron supplements cause gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects? Cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage), Alliaceous vegetables (like onions, leeks, and garlic). Also, plant-based protein sources may induce gas and bloat. Contact your healthcare provider if you have iron overload or iron poisoning symptoms. 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. convulsions (seizures) pale, clammy skin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Diarrhea medicines, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Lomotil. It takes longer for these foods to break down in your digestive system, so they ferment over time. Adding extra collagen protein to your regimen could lead . Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits, vegetables, and fibre each day. 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. Do Iron Supplements Make Poop Smell. Constipation is the most common side effect, but iron supplements can also cause nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating.