Can supplements cause constipation?
 

My DH is having a tough time in the bathroom these days. Two doses of Metamucil is barely getting him by. He ususally has one Atkins shake per day with "Joint Free Plus". The JFP contains:
10g Hydrolyzed collagen
1.5g Glucosamine Hydrochloride
500mg Chondroitin sulfate

Additionally, he takes a multi-vitamin, Vit E, ginseng, garlic, soya lecithin, and CoQ10.

He enjoys this new WOE, but not this side effect. :help:

Thanks for any input,
KT

The bigger question is...what's he eating? Is he getting enough veggies and fibre? How much water is he drinking? Not enough of either of those could cause things to get stuck.

Well, I know that an increased level of Vitamin C can cause diarreahea, but I've been taking supplements forever and have never had constipation just the opposite.

I'm with AngelaR ... fiber from vegetables, lots of water, fats and oils will definitely improve the situation. If you click on Low Carb Tips from the orange menu bar at the top, have a read through the article Low Carbing and Intestinal Health. There may be something helpful for you.

Metamucil/psyllium isn't a laxative, it merely provides bulk. You need to drink LOTS of water with it, or it'll turn to cement. Also, do not take it with any other supplement or with prescription meds .. it can prevent them from being absorbed. Take at least an hour apart.

Calcium is the only supplement I can think of that tends to be constipating. Magnesium has the opposite effect. Since calcium and magnesium are usually found together in supplements, there isn't usually a problem either way.

Doreen

Thank-you all for responding. I think I will just hook him up to an IV of water for a few days :lol: Actually, just reading this should motivate him (more than my loving, nagging way :) ) to consume more water and vegies. (My suspicion is the metamucil-he drinks the minimum required water and calls it done. Probably working against him rather than for him :confused:

Failing the above, perhaps he could try a "stool softener".... I've used those from time to time and they work fine! The pharmacist can point you in the right direction...but they should be right next to the laxatives.