Expert warns of the serious health risks of mixing these daily supplements together
Taking these supplements and vitamins together could be doing more harm than good 💊
- Many people take vitamins or supplements to help support their health.
- However, taking some vitamins and minerals at the same time can have serious consequences.
- Ben’s Natural Health outline the supplement combinations that could be doing more harm than good.
People who take more than one supplement each day are being urged to check if they could be causing more harm than good.
Vitamins and supplements are a staple for many people aiming to improve their immunity, energy, or overall well-being. Combining supplements can significantly enhance your health when done right, but the wrong pairings can lead to serious health risks or reduced effectiveness.
Understanding these risks is critical, Ben's Natural Health, outlines some of the most dangerous supplement combinations that could be bad for your health.
What vitamins and supplements should you not take together?
Ben’s Natural Health, outlines some of the vitamin and supplement combinations that, if taken together, could be doing more harm than good.
Vitamin K and blood-thinning medications
Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and can interfere with blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin and Coumadin, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of blood clots. Patients on blood thinners should avoid high doses of vitamin K and maintain a consistent intake under medical supervision.
Calcium and Iron
Calcium can inhibit iron absorption by up to 50%, which is particularly concerning for individuals with anaemia, as reduced absorption can make symptoms worse. It’s recommended to take iron supplements on an empty stomach with vitamin C to enhance absorption, and separate them from calcium supplements by at least two hours.
Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Both vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids have blood-thinning properties, which can increase bleeding risk when taken together. Ben’s Natural Health recommend limiting high doses if taking both and consulting a healthcare professional, especially if on anticoagulant therapy.
St. John’s Wort and Prescription Antidepressants
St. John’s Wort can dangerously increase serotonin levels when combined with SSRIs, leading to serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Avoid combining St. John’s Wort with prescription antidepressants and tell your healthcare professional if you are taking the supplement.
Calcium and Magnesium in High Doses
High doses of calcium and magnesium together can strain the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Ben’s Natural Health recommend taking calcium and magnesium at different times or in moderate doses to reduce kidney strain.
Zinc and Copper
High zinc intake inhibits copper absorption, leading to deficiency and symptoms like anaemia and immune suppression. Ben’s Natural Health advise balancing zinc and copper intake or taking supplements that combine both minerals safely.
Vitamin D and High-Dose Calcium
High doses of vitamin D and calcium increase the risk of hypercalcemia, which can lead to kidney stones and arterial calcification. Ben’s Natural Health advise to stay on the recommended doses unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Vitamin C and Vitamin B12
Large doses of vitamin C can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system, leading to fatigue and anaemia. It’s recommended to separate the doses by a few hours, with vitamin C earlier in the day and B12 later.
Learn more about how to eat healthy and get the nutrients you need at NHS Live Well.