Large doses of minerals can compete with each other to be absorbed. Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. In addition, these three minerals do not harm the stomach when taken with food, so if your doctor recommends them, take them with different meals or snacks. Just because supplements are safe if taken in moderation doesn't mean that more is better.
Combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk of them causing harm, Kitchin said. Supplements can pose risks even to people who are otherwise healthy. According to the NIH, you're more likely to experience side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses or if you use a lot of different supplements. Fortunately, there are no harmful side effects.
However, Dr. Airey states that “it's simply not effective to take them together, as the body's ability to absorb vitamins is reduced if they are taken together. Instead, consult a nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional who specializes in dietary supplements to help clear up the confusion. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help, and the CRN survey shows that this supplement is increasingly popular, but it's important to control the dose to make sure you don't consume more than 100 micrograms (mcg) a day.
According to the USPSTF, increased inflammation and oxidative stress can promote the onset of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and some dietary supplements have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help prevent both health problems. Science shows that taking too many supplements doesn't seem to have real health benefits and, in some situations, can be harmful. In light of these and other studies, most experts say that dietary supplements aren't everything they used to be. However, while supplements are often seen as a method to ensure that you meet your daily nutritional needs, they can create problems if you're not careful.
Combining supplements usually doesn't interfere with their functioning and, in some cases, may be beneficial; for example, vitamin C contributes to iron absorption. However, some studies show no evidence that many popular supplements have real health benefits, leading many scientists to change some of their recommendations. Different genetics, family history, or even a previous diagnosis can also influence the need to take a supplement. The HSIS works with independent experts in food and nutrition to provide accurate, evidence-based comments on issues related to food supplements.
This is important because a supplement meant to help you fall asleep, for example, isn't usually something you want to take during the day. While omega-3 fish oil supplements are great for heart health and ginkgo biloba can be used to alleviate cognitive decline, according to Dr. It's important that you strive to increase your intake of whole foods that are rich in nutrients before relying on supplements to fill any gaps, says Rodgers. After all, if you're taking six different supplements, you might want to know exactly what time of day you should take them and if it's safe to take them all at once.
Vitamin C supplements can also interact with cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, according to the NIH.
