With so many vitamins out there catering to diverse health needs, it only makes sense that we’d combine them for optimal benefits. However, while it’s generally safe to take multiple supplements at once, it’s important to be aware of the adverse effects of certain combinations. While some combinations can be dangerous, others simply render your vitamins ineffective.
Naturopathic Doctor Janine Bowring, MD, recently took TikTok to highlight the nuances of vitamin pairings, revealing three combinations that should never share the stage simultaneously. According to her, vitamin D and vitamin K, magnesium and calcium, and iron and calcium should never be taken together. Read on for all of her expert insight regarding these detrimental pairings.
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1. Vitamin D and Vitamin K
Dr. Bowring cautions against the simultaneous intake of Vitamin D and Vitamin K. Both of these vitamins are crucial to your health. However, "By taking these two together you can actually increase your risk of hypercalcemia—too much calcium in the blood," she warns. Vitamin D, often heralded as the "sunshine vitamin," plays a pivotal role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Dr. Bowring emphasizes the significance of taking Vitamin D, preferably in the form of D3, in the morning to harness its benefits throughout the day. Additionally, Vitamin K, when strategically taken closer to bedtime with calcium, ensures the proper distribution of calcium to the bones.
2. Magnesium and Calcium
Next up, Dr. Bowring delves into the delicate balance between magnesium and calcium, cautioning against taking them together because they compete for absorption. Contrary to common belief, Dr. Bowring recommends taking magnesium in the morning. "Magnesium helps with your metabolism throughout the day," she explains, shedding light on its role in supporting proper heart function during waking hours. "You wanna take it in the morning. It helps with your proper heart function during the day, so take it in the morning." Got it!
3. Iron and Calcium
Finally, Dr. Bowring warns, "Iron and calcium should not be taken together." According to her, "Calcium actually binds the iron so you will not get proper absorption of your iron if you take them together." Both of these vitamins play an important role in your health, so it's important to allow them both to be properly absorbed. Understanding the distinct roles of these minerals and timing their intake appropriately is crucial for optimal results.
