Very painful stomach from b vitamins - IBS Network

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Very painful stomach from b vitamins

MyStar86 profile image
13 Replies

has anyone else experienced crazy stomach pains, cramping and excessive gas from taking vitamins? I tried taking b vitamins and I can barely move today even laying down hurts the pain is so bad it’s really scared me. I hope it will pass now I’m not taking it but it’s unbearable I don’t know how to take the pain away it’s destroyed my bowels I just wish I had never taken it I was trying to be healthy as I don’t each much meat etc that contains b vits so i tried to supplement……big mistake.

has anyone else suffered like this? How long does the side effects last? I’m so scared it hurts so much.

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MyStar86
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13 Replies
Chocolate41 profile image
Chocolate41

Hi I haven’t heard of anyone having pains like yours after taking Vitamins.

I would call 111 if it continues .

Hope you feel better soon.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

It's awful you're in so much pain. Has that ever happened before from taking B vitamins, or have you ever had that pain before? I really don't know if they can cause bad effects like that. I take a B complex tablet every day, because though I eat fish, eggs and butter, I don't eat meat or any other dairy, but mine is low dose. It never gives me problems.

I wonder if the pain might be caused by something else? I would say keep an eye on yourself and if it doesn't go away, or even gets worse, contact 111 online or by phone. They were very good when I needed them (re: Covid back in 2020, and sudden hearing loss on one side in 2021), and they will get some advice and help for you. (if you are in UK)

But I wonder if the B vitamins might have contained something which upsets your gut, as a filler, binder, or colouring etc? I know chewable vitamin C upsets my gut owing to the sorbitol in them.

I hope you will feel better soon. Try peppermint tea (use 2 teabags and make it strong) or if you have any, 2 or 3 drops of food grade peppermint oil in very hot, boiled water.

vefa profile image
vefa

I had bad reaction to vitamin b and other supplements. I thought it must be the fillers that are in most tablets. I now use the Better You vitamin oral sprays which don't have any in.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply tovefa

thank you for making me not feel like a freak or alone!!!xx

Bluestones1 profile image
Bluestones1

HiI took b vitamins a few years ago and they gave me stomach cramps, bloating and wind. I read somewhere that b vitamins are notorious for it.

Mine lasted a day or two after I'd stopped taking them and after going to the toilet.

If your stomach was particularly bad at the same time as starting them, like mine was, unfortunately, it just makes the whole thing worse.

Drink plenty water, painkillers, and hopefully it'll all settle down.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply toBluestones1

thank you so much at least it isn’t just me I was starting to think I was a freak but I already have a whole list of bowel issues and conditions so yes it was in no way good before I took them but I know my body when I’ve had something bad and that certainly has caused a whole world of pain and issues. I did cause crazy gas and liquid toilet issues but never all at once it seemed to get worse as the day went on. I was stupid enough to take vitamin C as well because I’m starting to get a cold so I thought vit b and c would help never did I dream about this pain but hopefully once it clears itself out it will get back to its old bad and I will never touch supplements again.

I have been trying to dose up and rest to hope that this will pass in a day or two. It’s so upsetting trying to do something normal and my body reacting like this it’s just awful I do hate my body it doesn’t like anything.

I have had enough of my tummy.

Thank you again for not making me feel like a freak. I was scared to reply when people were saying call 111 etc and it had never happened to them xx

Bluestones1 profile image
Bluestones1 in reply toMyStar86

My husband bought me some probiotics after reading about them. He said, just try them. So I did, and now I swear by them. I noticed a difference within the 1st week. My excess wind, bloat and pain all went away. ( unless I eat onions, which I know now I can't eat at all, just can't tolerate them) He bought me quite expensive ones, so after getting through those, I suggested we buy cheaper ones, which cost £10, and they're just a good. After trying so many different things for my bad stomach, I've finally found something that works for me. But noooo, your not a freak, and hopefully you'll feel better soon as the B vitamins work through.

Take care. X

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply toBluestones1

thank you that’s very kind but I have tired all manner of probiotics and they are awful for my tummy I can’t take anything it’s just crazy anything that’s good for me causes me so much pain and hassle they always make me worse it’s very upsetting. I’ve even tried the very expensive gastro recommended symprove and that was horrific so I have to face up to the fact I cannot take anything that’s meant to be good for me. People always say peppermint and ginger but they also don’t agree with me so it’s crazy I do feel like a freak it’s horrible and I embarrassing xx

casares8 profile image
casares8

I think it might be fibre (as in brown bread), that might cause it or fillers - cellulose etc.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply tocasares8

no it’s not unfortunately it’s the vitamin itself in too high a dose because I only use viridian as a brand and there are no fillers or bad ingredients they are pure with even a pure capsule to contain the powder.

They are all expensive but the best brand for supplements.

Pajarorose profile image
Pajarorose

You should be tested for deficiency before taking vitamin B, especially B-12. If you are not deficient, taking them can cause illness. In the case of B-12, excess can cause tumor growth, among other problems.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply toPajarorose

thanks it’s just that I don’t eat meat and I have a very restricted diet which doesn’t contain any b vitamin sources and I am having a bone infusion soon for my osteoporosis which gives you horrible symptoms including the flu so I was just trying be healthy and try some but don’t worry I won’t be supplementing ever again. I’ve better off deficient than taking things that make me worse. Thanks again

marshamclean profile image
marshamclean

My doctor says I am not to take daily vitamins. I take vitamins for my eyes and calcium with K vitamin. C supposedly causes pain. You never know with IBS what might react in digestive problems. I have been on Low FODMAP diet for 8 years. Any variation and I suffer more. Good luck!

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