Taking dietary supplements can be beneficial for many people, but it is important to be aware of the potential interactions between different vitamins and supplements. To ensure that your dietary supplement does more good than harm, we have compiled a list of vitamins and supplements that should not be taken together. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bones and teeth, while calcium also contributes to heart health. Approximately 40 percent of the U.
S. population is deficient in vitamin D, which is necessary for the body to absorb and use calcium properly. Iron and calcium are two minerals that the body needs to function optimally. Iron is necessary for red blood cell production, while calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and a healthy heart.
People with iron deficiency may suffer from iron deficiency anemia, which can cause extreme fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. Increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods such as beef, dark leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, and nuts is usually enough to improve iron levels, but some people may need to take an iron supplement. However, if you take a calcium supplement, it is important to know when to take it. The National Institutes of Health found that the body may not be able to absorb iron effectively when an iron supplement is taken in combination with a calcium supplement.
To avoid this problem, it is recommended that people who take both supplements take them several hours apart. Vitamin A and vitamin K can interact negatively with blood thinners, so it is best to avoid taking them together. If you experience any adverse reactions while taking a supplement, you should see a healthcare provider. If you take any combination of these supplements, consult your doctor about the best time to achieve maximum absorption of each mineral. It is also important to remember that the most important time to take a vitamin pill is a moment you will remember day after day. People with certain gastrointestinal disorders or those who have had weight-loss surgery are at greater risk of suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.
Foods that are rich in vitamin A should only be eaten once a week to avoid consuming them in excess as studies show that taking these two supplements at the same time can reduce the amount of vitamin B-12 you get. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning that the body can store it when consumed in excessive amounts. Patients taking anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin, Xarelto, or Eliquiis should be especially careful with their intake of vitamin E as taking these medications and vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding. Some research suggests that oral contraceptives may increase levels of melatonin, thus increasing the effects and possible adverse effects of melatonin supplements. You may have side effects when you combine certain supplements with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. If you take cholesterol medications and a multivitamin complex, talk to your doctor about how to get the most out of your medication.
Omega-3 fish oil supplements can control inflammation and improve mood but when these supplements are taken with blood-thinning herbs such as ginkgo biloba or garlic they can prevent clotting and cause uncontrolled bleeding. It is important to be aware of potential interactions between different vitamins and supplements before taking them together. To ensure that your dietary supplement does more good than harm, consult your doctor about any combination of vitamins or supplements you plan on taking.
