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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Ensure?

Since I ve been taking Ensure[Milk Chocolate] I ve been having six or seven bowel movements a day plus gas. The bowel movements are normal bowel movements with usually low volume on the amount of stool. There is no hint of diarrhea. I was taking Iron pills but have stopped because it made my stool very difficult to clean up and was very tar like. What are the side effects of taking Ensure? I am also taking B Complex and Centrum Silver. Thank you!
Thu, 22 Mar 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

You seem to be suffering from a condition called 'lactose intolerance'.Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine, it breaks down the sugar in dairy products. If your body doesn't make enough lactase, you may get diarrhea and an upset stomach, when you eat or drink dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream and various chocolates including 'Ensure'.

Although milk is most associated with lactose intolerance, any dairy product may cause diarrhea and other symptoms. I advise you to:
1. Avoid trigger foods as listed above, keep a food diary.
2. Make note of what you eat and when you experience bowel movements. 3. Eat and drink lactose-free milk and dairy products, such as soy or rice milk and soy cheese.
4. Pair a solid food with a dairy product (like cereal with milk).
5. Take a lactase enzyme when you eat dairy. You can get it as over-the-counter tablets or liquid.
6. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements after consulting your doctor.

Consult your doctor to rule out other conditions such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease, as well as injuries to the small intestine.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Ensure?

Hello, You seem to be suffering from a condition called lactose intolerance .Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine, it breaks down the sugar in dairy products. If your body doesn t make enough lactase, you may get diarrhea and an upset stomach, when you eat or drink dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream and various chocolates including Ensure . Although milk is most associated with lactose intolerance, any dairy product may cause diarrhea and other symptoms. I advise you to: 1. Avoid trigger foods as listed above, keep a food diary. 2. Make note of what you eat and when you experience bowel movements. 3. Eat and drink lactose-free milk and dairy products, such as soy or rice milk and soy cheese. 4. Pair a solid food with a dairy product (like cereal with milk). 5. Take a lactase enzyme when you eat dairy. You can get it as over-the-counter tablets or liquid. 6. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements after consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor to rule out other conditions such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease, as well as injuries to the small intestine. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali