Avoiding Dangerous Supplement Combos

TL;DR

  • Supplement Timing Matters: Taking supplements at the right time can optimize absorption. Certain combinations can impede absorption or create harmful interactions.
  • Natural vs Synthetic: The article suggests natural supplements are better absorbed by the body than synthetic alternatives.
  • Dangerous Duos: Specific examples are provided of supplement combinations to avoid, including St. John's Wort with Melatonin, Zinc with Copper, and Iron with Green Tea.
  • Golden Rule for Supplementation: A general guideline is provided - take vitamins and turmeric in the morning and minerals like magnesium at night. Some supplements, like Omega-3s and Zinc, are best absorbed in the afternoon.
“Just imagine, how much easier our lives would be if we were born with a ‘user guide or owner’s manual’ which could tell us what to eat and how to live healthy.”
― Erika M. Szabo

 

Did you know that taking all your supplements at the same time could be dangerous to your health? Ok, breathe. You don't need a manual, we are going to get you through this.

Optimal absorption can depend on the time of day you take them. Another negative impact happens when you take certain minerals together with vitamins and other supplements, which negate each other and can cause harm to your health.

Nutrient-nutrient interactions can be muted with antagonistic or synergistic nutrients. In other words, you need to understand which ingredients inhibit and which enhance absorption.

Natural supplements are better absorbed and put to proper use by the body than any allopathic or lab imitation of nature’s perfect apothecary. Still, a little knowledge can lead us to take supplements wisely so that they do not counteract each other.

Here is our hotlist.

Supplements You Should Never Combine

Some properties negate properties in other supplements or over enhance others to an unsafe degree. Once again, the anthem will always be to focus on organic, natural supplements because the complexities of nature’s apothecary can never be met by synthetic, allopathic imitations.

St John’s Wort and Melatonin 

Known for potent analgesic attributes, St John’s Wort is often used for quelling anxiety and depression. Melatonin is a well-known sleep aid. One would imagine they would go well together. You know, less anxiety, better sleep? However, St John's Wort is a bit of a double agent in the mix. It increases serotonin - the happy hormone, but it is a stimulant. See the clash?

Zinc and Copper

Often thought of as compatible because they both support the immune system and healing and resistance. But high doses of Zinc cause copper efficiency over time, which may contribute to osteoporosis and anemia.

Iron and Green Tea

Ok, so you’re faulting us for calling green tea a supplement. The thing is that most people drink it for health benefits rather than their first choice of tea. Either way, you need to know that over time, green tea is likely to cause iron deficiency, and iron will reduce the efficacy of green tea.

For this no-no combo, there is s smart solution; alternate green tea days with iron intake. There! That’s not so hard, is it?

Green tea negates iron

Golden Rule for Supplements: Vitamins and turmeric supplements in the daytime and minerals, ashwagandha, cannabidiol, magnesium, and probiotics at night. Oils such as omega and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) are best after midday as are Zinc, and Vitamin D3.

What Goes and What Doesn’t, Isn’t Guesswork

It’s clear to see that certain combinations are detrimental or antagonistic. Oddly enough, the classic feta cheese and spinach combo is another little-known anti-combo. The calcium in feta negates the iron in the spinach - yeah, go figure!

But it isn’t all bad news. Some minerals and vitamins are fabulously synergistic. Thanks to the abundance of Vitamin C, a glass of orange juice greatly improves iron absorption.

The best way to avoid dangerous supplement combos is to choose a reputable source of organic and natural supplements is an intelligent approach to health as nature’s nutrients remain coded in ways the body recognises and best utilises.

Summary: To play it safe, always choose organic, natural supplements. Read up on how they are best absorbed by the body.

Feel free to explore the Cures & Creams online store and source the natural remedy that’s just right for you and your loved ones.

Take advantage of running specials, reward points and repeat order subscription benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or psychological advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Featured in this article

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.