Hi Sue,

I too am taking blackmores and have struggled with constipation. This is because of the iron in these supplements. The iron is also what is responsible for making your stools appear darker- don't worry- this is normal.
If you are looking for something to assist with this issue, I can highly recommend you add either 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk (ask at you local health food store) to a glass of water and drink- or spinkle it on your cereal every morning. You can also buy cereals & mueslis which contain psyllium (again- check out the health food store, or the health food section of coles & woolies). It has a weird consistency but you get used to it.

Linseeds are also brilliant. The muesli I buy has both linseed and psyllium husk in it and it has helped me a great deal. Also replacing white grains (white bread, rice, pasta etc) with wholemeal varieties will add additional fibre to your diet (not to mention extra nutrients!!). And eat lotsa fruit & veg!! High carb veggies like potatoes, carrot, pumpkin etc will not help much in the fibre department- you need to consume the more alkaline greens such as spinach, broccoli etc.

Hope this helps.....

XXX