Can I Take Multiple Vitamins at Once?

Learn about the potential risks and benefits of taking multiple vitamins at once from an expert's perspective. Find out how to safely take multiple vitamins and what to look for in a multivitamin supplement.

Can I Take Multiple Vitamins at Once?

You can take multiple vitamins at once, but it's not always the best idea. Taking too many of the same type of vitamin can cause numerous side effects, and some vitamins may not be absorbed properly if taken together. It's best to consult with a doctor before taking multiple vitamins, and to look for a multivitamin supplement that contains all the vitamins you need in one product. For some supplements, optimal absorption may depend on the time of day they are taken.

Not only that, taking certain vitamins, minerals, or other supplements together can also reduce absorption and cause adverse interactions that can be harmful to health. Fortunately, there are no harmful side effects, however, Dr. Airey states that “it's simply not efficient to take them together, as the body's ability to absorb vitamins will be reduced if taken together.”You should never take more than one vitamin of the same type at a time, unless directed to do so by a doctor. Taking too much of the same type of vitamin can cause numerous side effects.

Symptoms of a vitamin overdose include cloudy urine, frequent urination, eye irritation, chapped lips, increased sensitivity to light, fast or irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness or pain, joint pain, seizures, headaches, fatigue, fainting, confusion, mood or mental changes, flushing, itching, sun sensitivity, hair loss, yellow-orange skin, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, and weight loss. Depending on your situation, it may be more convenient to find a supplement that contains all the vitamins you need in a single product, such as a multivitamin supplement. Remember to tell your doctor about any supplements or medications you are currently taking to rule out any possible negative interactions with your new vitamin supplements. Most vitamin supplements contain similar instructions which generally include swallowing the supplement whole with a glass of water.