Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
6.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.4
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We assessed how iron supplementation impacts blood donors who may suffer from low iron levels. Our analysis included thirty studies with nearly 4,700 participants, focusing on the differences between those receiving iron and those who didn’t.
We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.
These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.
These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
Read More
8
We conducted a fully decentralized clinical trial to explore the effects of vitamin C on constipation symptoms. Participants who experienced functional constipation were randomly assigned to receive either Lactobacillus with vitamin C or vitamin C alone over a two-week treatment period. The study allowed us to gather data remotely, which is quite innovative and accessible.
Looking specifically at the results from the group that received vitamin C, we observed that while there was an increase in the frequency of bowel movements compared to the control group, the isolated effect of vitamin C itself wasn't entirely clear. The combination treatment appeared to improve bowel regularity, but it was difficult to determine how much vitamin C contributed independently to these results.
Additionally, we found that about 67% of participants were diligent in tracking their bowel diary entries, which helped ensure the reliability of our findings to an extent. Yet, a significant portion of the records were not kept as scheduled, highlighting potential hurdles in data collection for decentralized trials.
Overall, our observations suggest that while vitamin C, especially when paired with Lactobacillus, may provide some benefits for those struggling with constipation, we should exercise caution before attributing all improvements solely to vitamin C.
Looking specifically at the results from the group that received vitamin C, we observed that while there was an increase in the frequency of bowel movements compared to the control group, the isolated effect of vitamin C itself wasn't entirely clear. The combination treatment appeared to improve bowel regularity, but it was difficult to determine how much vitamin C contributed independently to these results.
Additionally, we found that about 67% of participants were diligent in tracking their bowel diary entries, which helped ensure the reliability of our findings to an extent. Yet, a significant portion of the records were not kept as scheduled, highlighting potential hurdles in data collection for decentralized trials.
Overall, our observations suggest that while vitamin C, especially when paired with Lactobacillus, may provide some benefits for those struggling with constipation, we should exercise caution before attributing all improvements solely to vitamin C.
Read More
8
Infant formula impacts stool consistency
We evaluated how different infant formulas affect the stool characteristics of infants. Two clinical studies focused on infants transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to formula feeding and those already on formula.
Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.
Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.
Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Increased iron levels
2 people found this helpful
Not just for kids—I finally got my iron levels up. I had been deferred from donating blood due to low hematocrit levels and found that various products only caused constipation. After being advised to try Flintstone Plus, my levels significantly improved without causing any digestive issues. I’m now a steadfast fan, despite disliking the taste.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
6.2
- All Researches
9
We assessed how iron supplementation impacts blood donors who may suffer from low iron levels. Our analysis included thirty studies with nearly 4,700 participants, focusing on the differences between those receiving iron and those who didn’t.
We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.
These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.
These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
Read More
8
We conducted a fully decentralized clinical trial to explore the effects of vitamin C on constipation symptoms. Participants who experienced functional constipation were randomly assigned to receive either Lactobacillus with vitamin C or vitamin C alone over a two-week treatment period. The study allowed us to gather data remotely, which is quite innovative and accessible.
Looking specifically at the results from the group that received vitamin C, we observed that while there was an increase in the frequency of bowel movements compared to the control group, the isolated effect of vitamin C itself wasn't entirely clear. The combination treatment appeared to improve bowel regularity, but it was difficult to determine how much vitamin C contributed independently to these results.
Additionally, we found that about 67% of participants were diligent in tracking their bowel diary entries, which helped ensure the reliability of our findings to an extent. Yet, a significant portion of the records were not kept as scheduled, highlighting potential hurdles in data collection for decentralized trials.
Overall, our observations suggest that while vitamin C, especially when paired with Lactobacillus, may provide some benefits for those struggling with constipation, we should exercise caution before attributing all improvements solely to vitamin C.
Looking specifically at the results from the group that received vitamin C, we observed that while there was an increase in the frequency of bowel movements compared to the control group, the isolated effect of vitamin C itself wasn't entirely clear. The combination treatment appeared to improve bowel regularity, but it was difficult to determine how much vitamin C contributed independently to these results.
Additionally, we found that about 67% of participants were diligent in tracking their bowel diary entries, which helped ensure the reliability of our findings to an extent. Yet, a significant portion of the records were not kept as scheduled, highlighting potential hurdles in data collection for decentralized trials.
Overall, our observations suggest that while vitamin C, especially when paired with Lactobacillus, may provide some benefits for those struggling with constipation, we should exercise caution before attributing all improvements solely to vitamin C.
Read More
8
This study examined the connection between gastrointestinal issues, particularly constipation, and depression in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Conducted at Trakya University, the case-control study involved 125 IDA patients and 57 healthy individuals.
We found that IDA patients reported constipation significantly more often than the control group, with 56% experiencing this symptom. Additionally, their self-reported intensity of bloating and dyspepsia was notably higher, indicating a clear link between IDA, gastrointestinal discomfort, and potential mental health challenges.
Conducted at Trakya University, the case-control study involved 125 IDA patients and 57 healthy individuals.
We found that IDA patients reported constipation significantly more often than the control group, with 56% experiencing this symptom. Additionally, their self-reported intensity of bloating and dyspepsia was notably higher, indicating a clear link between IDA, gastrointestinal discomfort, and potential mental health challenges.
Read More
8
Infant formula impacts stool consistency
We evaluated how different infant formulas affect the stool characteristics of infants. Two clinical studies focused on infants transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to formula feeding and those already on formula.
Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.
Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.
Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Read More
7
Iron's minimal effect on constipation
We explored the effects of low-dose iron supplementation on gastrointestinal complaints, particularly constipation, in pregnant women. Conducting two randomized studies, we aimed to determine how different forms of iron—ferrous fumarate, ferrous bisglycinate, and ferrous sulphate—would affect the frequency of GI issues among healthy women throughout their pregnancy.
Through our investigations, we found that constipation was only significantly associated with higher doses of ferrous fumarate (80 mg/day). Interestingly, women taking lower doses of ferrous fumarate (20-60 mg/day) did not report more GI side effects, indicating that manageable doses of iron may be tolerated without significant worry about constipation.
Among the iron formulas tested, ferrous bisglycinate at 25 mg showed the best profile, resulting in fewer GI complaints overall compared to the others. In fact, it was linked to a lower incidence of black stools, which can often be associated with iron intake. Ultimately, we observed that while low-dose iron supplementation might incur some side effects, they are generally not severe enough to warrant a change in dosage or interruption of treatment.
Through our investigations, we found that constipation was only significantly associated with higher doses of ferrous fumarate (80 mg/day). Interestingly, women taking lower doses of ferrous fumarate (20-60 mg/day) did not report more GI side effects, indicating that manageable doses of iron may be tolerated without significant worry about constipation.
Among the iron formulas tested, ferrous bisglycinate at 25 mg showed the best profile, resulting in fewer GI complaints overall compared to the others. In fact, it was linked to a lower incidence of black stools, which can often be associated with iron intake. Ultimately, we observed that while low-dose iron supplementation might incur some side effects, they are generally not severe enough to warrant a change in dosage or interruption of treatment.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.4
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Increased iron levels
2 people found this helpful
Not just for kids—I finally got my iron levels up. I had been deferred from donating blood due to low hematocrit levels and found that various products only caused constipation. After being advised to try Flintstone Plus, my levels significantly improved without causing any digestive issues. I’m now a steadfast fan, despite disliking the taste.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Huh KY, Chung WK, Park J, Lee S, Kim MG, et al. Feasibility study for a fully decentralized clinical trial in participants with functional constipation symptoms. Clin Transl Sci. 2023;16:2177. doi:10.1111/cts.13617
- Milman NT, Bergholt T. Low-Dose Prophylactic Oral Iron Supplementation (Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Bisglycinate, and Ferrous Sulphate) in Pregnancy Is Not Associated With Clinically Significant Gastrointestinal Complaints: Results From Two Randomized Studies. J Pregnancy. 2024;2024:1716798. doi:10.1155/2024/1716798
- Banerjee A, Athalye S, Shingade P, Khargekar V, Mahajan N, et al. Efficacy of daily versus intermittent oral iron supplementation for prevention of anaemia among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 2024;74:102742. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102742
- June D, Konstantin AT, Lumbanradja LA, Aryani A, Hengky A. Lactoferrin as treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in children: a systematic review. Turk J Pediatr. 2023;65:543. doi:10.24953/turkjped.2022.670
- Suzuki D, Ichie T, Hayashi H, Sugiura Y, Sugiyama T. Efficacy of sucroferric oxyhydroxide treatment in Japanese hemodialysis patients and its effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. Pharmazie. 2017;72:118. doi:10.1691/ph.2017.6848
- Abdel Moety GAF, Ali AM, Fouad R, Ramadan W, Belal DS, et al. Amino acid chelated iron versus an iron salt in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia with pregnancy: A randomized controlled study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2017;210:242. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.01.003
- Pamuk GE, Uyanik MS, Top MS, Tapan U, Ak R, et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms are closely associated with depression in iron deficiency anemia: a comparative study. Ann Saudi Med. 2015;35:31. doi:10.5144/0256-4947.2015.31
- Smith GA, Fisher SA, Doree C, Di Angelantonio E, Roberts DJ. Oral or parenteral iron supplementation to reduce deferral, iron deficiency and/or anaemia in blood donors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014:CD009532. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009532.pub2
- Pereira DI, Couto Irving SS, Lomer MC, Powell JJ. A rapid, simple questionnaire to assess gastrointestinal symptoms after oral ferrous sulphate supplementation. BMC Gastroenterol. 2014;14:103. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-14-103
- Bradley CS, Kennedy CM, Turcea AM, Rao SS, Nygaard IE. Constipation in pregnancy: prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;110:1351.
- Singhal A, Morley R, Abbott R, Fairweather-Tait S, Stephenson T, et al. Clinical safety of iron-fortified formulas. Pediatrics. 2000;105:E38.
- Lloyd B, Halter RJ, Kuchan MJ, Baggs GE, Ryan AS, et al. Formula tolerance in postbreastfed and exclusively formula-fed infants. Pediatrics. 1999;103:E7.
