Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: I'd guess it's the Vitamin C

Vitamin C is notorious for causing gas and diarrhea. Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, and as the name implies, it's acidic. When it enters the alkaline environment of the lower intestinal tract it can create diarrhea and gas. In Germany, vitamin C is actually an approved laxative.

The recommended dose from some internet searches I've done seems to be under 2,000 mg daily. Over that, you risk the GI side effects.

Don't know why your pharmacist told you methylcellulose would cause gas. All fibers, soluble and insoluble, can cause gas and other GI unpleasantries if someone suddenly and drastically increases their intake. But just starting to take a normal dose of methylcellulose shouldn't do this. Of all the soluble fibers psyllium is the only one with a known propensity for causing gas and bloating (and even that is only for a minority of people).

I'd check that your methylcellulose supplement (which is probably Citrucel?) is the plain variety. The flavors, colors, and citric acid in the orange varieties can sometimes cause problems. Best to stick to just the plain fiber with nothing added.

- Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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