Oftentimes, taking the right supplements can make a major difference in your health by ensuring your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs to function to the best of its ability. However, it’s always crucial to consider the risks at hand. While some supplements may be straight up ineffective, others could pose a risk to your health. Additionally, certain supplement combinations could be dangerous.
One such potentially dangerous supplement combination is calcium and iron. To learn about the risks at hand, we spoke to registered dietitian Krutika Nanavati. According to her, combining these seemingly harmless supplements could result in anemia. Read on for more info.
Why combining calcium and iron supplements could be dangerous
Calcium and iron are both essential to your body's functions. If you're not getting enough of either one of them directly from the food you eat, using supplements to fill in those gaps could be a good idea. However, while individual supplementation could be just fine and perfectly safe (in moderation, of course), a risk arises when iron supplements and calcium supplements are taken together.
According to Nanavati, "Combining [calcium and iron] in supplement form can have adverse effects. She warns that "Calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron, particularly non-heme iron found in plant-based foods and supplements."
If your body is unable to properly absorb iron, it may result in a deficiency, rendering your supplementation useless and, worse, setting your body up for a range of health complications. Nanavati says this could "potentially result in iron deficiency anemia over time."
Anemia could lead to an array of adverse effects, including fatigue, headaches, and even heart issues. "Anemia strains the cardiovascular system, affecting oxygen delivery to tissues and increasing the heart's workload," she says.
As with any nutrients, it's always ideal to get iron and calcium straight from your daily diet. There are many iron-rich, calcium-packed foods to choose from. However, if you do find that supplementation is essential, it's crucial to proceed with caution.
"Remember, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Even natural supplements can have adverse effects when combined or taken in excessive amounts," Nanavati reminds us. Noted!
READ MORE: A Doctor Says To Not ‘Waste Your Money’ On These 4 Types Of Ineffective Supplements
