When it comes to taking supplements, it's essential to be aware of which combinations should be avoided. Taking the wrong combination of vitamins and minerals can interfere with absorption, cause adverse reactions, and even lead to serious health risks. In this article, we'll explore five combinations of supplements that should be avoided, as well as tips for taking dietary supplements safely. It's important to note that multivitamins should not be taken together.
This is because the smaller minerals found in multivitamins, such as iron and zinc, can be interfered with by other minerals like magnesium. Therefore, it's best to avoid taking calcium, magnesium, and zinc together. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's especially important to discuss any dietary supplement with your healthcare provider. This is because certain ingredients in supplements can alter laboratory tests or have negative effects during surgery.
When it comes to taking iron supplements, it's best to avoid drinking green tea at the same time. This is because green tea can interfere with the absorption of iron. If you need to take both, take the iron supplement at least two hours before or four to six hours after drinking green tea. If you're taking zinc supplements, it's recommended that you also take a 2 mg copper supplement to maintain the balance of these two minerals in the body.
Additionally, if you're taking antibiotics, it's best to take them at least two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc supplements. Finally, if you're taking vitamin C supplements for any reason, such as to help fight infections or reduce pain after surgery, it's best to drink it in moderation and wait two hours after taking an iron supplement.
Tips for Taking Dietary Supplements Safely
When it comes to mixing supplements, it's important to keep it simple and set yourself up for success. If you're not sure about the combination of supplements or medications you're taking, ask your healthcare provider for advice. Additionally, if you experience any adverse reactions while taking a supplement, see a healthcare provider right away. Before taking any dietary supplement or over-the-counter or prescription medication, it's important to check with your health professional.If a product marketed as a dietary supplement contains claims that the product is intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a disease, the FDA may also consider whether it is appropriate to take action against products that are illegally marketed as drugs. Finally, when giving dietary supplements to children, always be aware of potential adverse events that may occur when taken with other medications.
