5 Supplement Combinations You Should Avoid

Taking supplements can be beneficial for your health, but it's important to be aware of the combinations you should avoid. Many people take multivitamins, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and other supplements for various reasons. However, some combinations of these supplements can interfere with absorption and cause adverse effects. It's also important to be aware of potential interactions between supplements and medications.

In this article, we'll discuss five supplement combinations you should avoid and what to do if you need to take both. When it comes to multivitamins, Erin Stokes from North Dakota recommends avoiding taking magnesium at the same time. This is because magnesium can interfere with the absorption of smaller minerals such as iron and zinc found in the multivitamin complex. Additionally, calcium, magnesium, and zinc should not be taken together as they will “compete for absorption”.

Dr. Robert Glatter from Northwell Health in New York City recommends avoiding over-the-counter or prescription drugs that may interact poorly with supplements. For example, zinc supplements should be taken at least two hours before or after taking penicillamine. Additionally, iron supplements or iron-rich foods should not be taken at the same time as green tea as it can reduce the absorption of iron.

If you're unsure about the combination of supplements or medications you're taking, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for advice. The Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institute of Health has a form called My Dietary Supplement and Drug Registry that you can print and complete. It's also important to note that if a product marketed as a dietary supplement implies that its purpose is to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a disease, the FDA may take action against it. Vitamin C supplements are often taken to help fight infections, reduce pain after surgery, or lower blood pressure. However, some research suggests that oral contraceptives may increase levels of melatonin and therefore increase the effects and potential adverse effects of melatonin supplements.

If you take any combination of these supplements, talk to your doctor about the best time to get the most out of each mineral. Finally, people with cardiovascular disease can take copper supplements as they have been shown to help change blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or over-the-counter or prescription medication.

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