When you decide to take a multivitamin, you’re making an investment in your health.
In my experience, multivitamins are something that can help support whole body health. For that reason, we all expect that multivitamins will make us feel good.
But, have you ever taken a multivitamin supplement and just felt kinda ... blah? Or, maybe queasy and sick to your stomach is a better way to describe the feeling.
Well, I've certainly had this experience. How about you?
If you're wondering, "why does my multivitamin make me nauseous?" ... You would be far from the first.
The good news is, this feeling can be prevented. Today, I'll explain why a multivitamin can make you feel nauseous, how to avoid it, and tips for finding the best vitamin for you!
Why Does My Multivitamin Make Me Nauseous?
Let's address the elephant in the room: why does your multivitamin make you nauseous?
Well, it could be for a number of reasons. 99% of the time though, your multivitamin may be making you nauseous because of one of these three reasons...
1. You're taking your multivitamin on an empty stomach.
2. Your body may be sensitive to certain ingredients.
3. You may be taking a low-quality multivitamin.
At this point you may be wondering how these things could make you feel nauseous.
I'll explain why this is and give you some tips to prevent this issue in the future.
Reasons That Multivitamins Can Make You Feel Nauseous
Now that you know some of the most common reasons that a multivitamin can make you nauseous … let’s take a closer look at each.
Taking Vitamins On An Empty Stomach
Multivitamins are supplements that contain a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.
High concentrations of these vitamins and minerals in the absence of food and water can be irritating to the stomach. Not only that, but these vitamins and minerals are either fat or water-soluble (1). This means you must have these nutrients present to absorb them.
Basically, taking vitamins on an empty stomach is ill-advised for several reasons. So, don't forget to take your multivitamin with a meal!
Your Body May Be Sensitive To Certain Ingredients
In my experience, there’s no one size fits all answer for anything. Not for nutrition, training, supplementation, or any other area of life.
So, while a multivitamin may work great for one person, it may not for another. This could be for a number of different reasons too.
For example, I know quite a few people who have a hard time with heat-compressed tablets. That's why a lot of people will opt for soft-capsules or even multivitamin powders.
Another reason could have to do with added ingredients. Gummies, for example, often contain dyes, sugar, and other ingredients. Ingredients like these could potentially cause an upset stomach.
Other ingredients could also be contributing to a feeling of nausea. For example, iron is known for its ability to cause stomach discomfort (2).
You Could Be Taking A Lower Quality Multivitamin
I've tried quite a few different multivitamin supplements in my lifetime. I've also worked with hundreds of clients who take multivitamin supplements.
One thing I've come to notice is that quality can make a big difference. First and foremost, my clients and I are huge advocates of powdered or liquid vitamins.
Yes, this can also mean powder-filled capsules and soft-coated liquid gels. Most of the time, these are vegetable or gelatin capsules that the body can tolerate well.
Another thing you can look for is whether your multivitamin is third-party tested or not. This will tell you if the company has been held to specific standards for safety and quality.
How To Prevent Feeling Nauseous
By now, you may have a good idea as to why vitamins can make you feel nauseous. Make sure you keep these tips in mind to avoid this issue in the future...
1. Take Your Vitamins With a Meal
Taking your vitamins with a meal is always recommended. It's completely up to you when you take them whether it's in the morning, evening, or any time in between. As long as you are having them with some dietary fat and water, you'll be in the clear.
2. Stay Updated With Your Allergies & Sensitivities
Our bodies and immune systems are in a constant state of change. This could be why it's not super uncommon to develop allergies with age. While this is most often during childhood, it can happen in adulthood as well.
It could be a good idea to see an allergy specialist or someone who can help you identify any allergies. Obviously, you'll want to avoid vitamins with ingredients you have an intolerance to.
3. Choose a High-Quality Multivitamin
You get what you pay for. This always has been and always will be the truth ... Especially in the world of supplements. When it comes to vitamins, I do have some recommendations.
For one, I believe that powdered vitamins and liquid vitamins are the way to go. Through personal experience, I've found it's what my body handles best.
I'd also suggest finding a brand that uses a third party to test their products for quality. Bonus points if their products are manufactured in a FDA inspected facility!
Other than that, just make sure the multivitamin has good dosing. You should be getting a full spectrum of essential nutrients.
Looking For a New Multivitamin?
Did you find out why you may be feeling nauseous after taking vitamins?
I hope the information you learned about today was helpful. That's what I'm here for!
If you're looking for a new multivitamin to try, we have some incredible options for you at 1st Phorm.
Our mission is to help real people earn real and long-term results. We know you don't take shortcuts with the work you put in to reach your goals. That's why we don't take shortcuts when it comes to the supplements to help you reach them.
Every product we put our name on is third party tested and manufactured in a FDA inspected facility ... Including our multivitamins.
We offer gender-specific multivitamins: M-Factor Men for the guys and M-Factor Goddess for the ladies. We even have an exceptional prenatal multivitamin called Prenatal Plus.
Personally, I use our Micro Factor complete daily nutrient packets. Micro Factor isn't just a daily multivitamin, it's so much more.
Each packet comes with a multivitamin, probiotic, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, fruit & veggie capsules, antioxidants, and CoQ10! It's all of my favorite supplements, plus more, in a convenient, on-the-go packet.
If you aren't a fan of taking capsules, Micro Factor is also available in a delicious, flavored powder! All you have to do is throw one scoop of Micro Factor Powder in water and have it with any meal.
Feel the difference with Micro Factor today - Get yours here! I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll love it.
If you have any questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out.
We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri. Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com any day from 6 AM to 10 PM Central.
We'll be more than happy to help in any way we can!
References:
(1) Lykstad, Jacqueline. and Sandeep Sharma. “Biochemistry, Water Soluble Vitamins.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 6 March 2023.
(2) Encyclopedia M, supplements T. Taking iron supplements: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
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