Taking dietary supplements can be beneficial for many people, but it's important to understand which vitamins and minerals should not be taken together. Calcium, zinc, and magnesium supplements should not be taken at the same time, as they are more beneficial for the belly when taken with food. Iron and calcium should also not be taken together, as the body may not be able to absorb iron effectively when an iron supplement is taken in combination with a calcium supplement. Vitamin K and high doses of vitamin E should also not be taken together.
Oral contraceptives may increase levels of melatonin, thus increasing the effects and possible adverse effects of melatonin supplements. Patients who have been recommended by doctors to take vitamin K should avoid taking high doses of vitamin E, especially in supplement form. When considering taking a multivitamin, patients should look for a dietary supplement that provides no more than 100 percent of the daily value of each nutrient. Patients who are considered to be at risk of suffering a vitamin B12 deficiency, including older adults, should talk to their doctor about supplementing their vitamin B12 levels and should take care to avoid ingesting too much folate. It is recommended that people at high risk of magnesium deficiency who take calcium supplements take calcium at bedtime rather than during a meal.
Another study showed that calcium supplements may cause a higher risk of stroke, while taking them in combination with vitamin D seemed to lower this risk. The supplement has also been used in Alzheimer's disease, as copper deficiency has been observed among people with this condition. While fish oil supplements with omega-3 are great for heart health, gingko biloba can be used to help cognitive decline according to Dr. People take vitamin C supplements for a variety of reasons including to help fight infections reduce pain after surgery or lower blood pressure. If you are taking any type of supplement or combination of supplements and experience any negative side effects, you should stop using the supplement and consult a healthcare provider. To make sure that your dietary supplement does no more harm than good, it's important to understand which vitamins and minerals should not be taken together.
