How Can I Prevent Constipation After Taking a Multivitamin?

After taking any multivitamin for a few days, I become constipated. What can be done to relieve the problem?

More than likely it's the iron in the multivitamin that's causing the problem. Various forms of iron can be constipating to some people. I would suggest one of four things:

First, you might try taking the multivitamin in the middle of your largest meal when the hydrochloric acid levels in your stomach are elevated. Iron requires adequate acid levels to be digested properly.

Second, take a digestive enzyme after your meals.

Third, use a stool softener, especially if constipation is something you have problems with anyway.

And fourth, take a multivitamin that doesn't contain iron in its formula. Freeda Vitamins manufactures a product called Iron-free Ultra-Freeda. 

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