Should you talk to your doctor before taking vitamins?

Talk to your doctor before starting any new over-the-counter medications or supplements. Patients should always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new dietary regimen, including vitamins and supplements.

Should you talk to your doctor before taking vitamins?

Talk to your doctor before starting any new over-the-counter medications or supplements. Patients should always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new dietary regimen, including vitamins and supplements. The patient's primary care doctor is familiar with the person's medical history and may suggest supplements to take or avoid. Many supplements on the market have several ingredients and fillers, so proper guidance will help people make the right choices.

Many adults take a variety of daily supplements. Nearly 25% of adults say they take a daily supplement along with a regular medication. However, during a checkup, many people don't think of writing supplements on the medication history form. Because some supplements and medications can have dangerous interactions, it's critical to inform your doctor about all supplements.

Here's why it's essential to report on supplement intake. A doctor will be able to inform the patient about the ingredients in the supplements and how the supplements affect the body. It's important for people of all ages to talk about supplements with their doctor before taking them, but it's even more important for older adults, says Lauren Grossman, M.