What Supplements Should You Not Take Together?

Learn which vitamins and minerals should not be taken together and how to avoid potential interactions from an expert's perspective.

What Supplements Should You Not Take Together?

Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Taking these three minerals with food is more beneficial for the belly, so if your doctor recommends them, take them at different meals or snacks. It's also important to know which vitamins should not be taken together. These are the supplements that don't go together or go with food.

Omega-3 fish oil supplements can control inflammation and improve mood, but when taken with blood-thinning herbs such as ginkgo biloba or garlic, they can prevent clotting and cause uncontrolled bleeding. Taking antibiotics, especially those in the tetracycline family, along with iron supplements can reduce the effects of antibiotics and reduce the chances of them working. It is recommended that people at high risk of magnesium deficiency who take calcium supplements take calcium at bedtime rather than during a meal. However, if you take more than one or take a supplement while taking a medication, there may be a risk of negative interactions.

If you need to take both, take the antibiotic at least two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc supplements. Whether you're taking a daily multivitamin to improve your overall health or relying on herbal supplements to fill nutritional gaps, it's important to be aware of potential interactions. Be careful with over-the-counter or prescription drugs that can interact poorly with supplements, says Dr. Robert Glatter, associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in New York City.

If you take any combination of these supplements, ask your doctor about the best time to achieve maximum absorption of each mineral. Green tea has health benefits, so feel free to drink it in moderation and wait two hours after taking an iron supplement. The risks of taking supplements may increase if you take more than one supplement. While fish oil supplements with omega-3 are great for heart health and ginkgo biloba can be used to help with cognitive decline, according to Dr.

Some research suggests that oral contraceptives may increase levels of melatonin, increasing the effects and possible adverse effects of melatonin supplements. If you're taking copper supplements due to copper deficiency, avoid taking zinc at the same time, says Dr. The supplement has also been used in Alzheimer's disease as copper deficiency has been observed among people with this condition. If you experience any adverse reactions while taking a supplement, you should see a healthcare provider.