Understanding Stomach Upset from Calcium Magnesium Citrate & Vitamin D3

Taking calcium magnesium citrate with vitamin D3 can cause gastrointestinal upset due to several reasons related to the individual components:

1. Calcium: Calcium supplements, especially calcium carbonate, are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, bloating, constipation, and nausea. While calcium citrate is generally easier on the stomach than calcium carbonate, it can still lead to these symptoms in some individuals¹.

2. Magnesium: Magnesium, particularly in the form of magnesium citrate, can have a laxative effect and may cause symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramping. This is because unabsorbed magnesium salts create an osmotic effect in the intestines, which increases gastric motility².

3. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): High levels of vitamin D3 can lead to an increased absorption of calcium. This can cause hypercalcemia, presenting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain³. Even in typical doses, vitamin D3 can occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms like loss of appetite and constipation⁴.

The combination of these nutrients in high doses or in individuals sensitive to any of these supplements may exacerbate stomach upset. If these symptoms persist, it may be helpful to lower the dosage, spread out the intake throughout the day, or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Footnotes

1. Office of Dietary Supplements - Calcium ↩

2. Examine.com - Magnesium ↩

3. Mayo Clinic - Vitamin D Toxicity ↩

4. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): MedlinePlus Drug Information ↩