In the ever-expanding world of wellness trends and supplement regimens, it’s crucial to approach your health with caution and knowledge. While supplements can oftentimes be a good tool to reach greater wellbeing, it’s important to remember that many of them can come with downsides. This is especially true when it comes to certain supplement combinations, as they could cause negative interactions.
Recently, TikTok user @thewellnesspharm, also known as Doctor Ari, a practicing pharmacist, shared some valuable insights on supplements that should never be taken together. She warns against combining magnesium and calcium, iron and zinc, vitamin C and copper, and melatonin and coffee. Learn why she says you should think twice before mixing these supplements below.
1. Magnesium and Calcium
According to Doctor Ari, combining magnesium and calcium in your supplement routine is a big no-no. "Never take magnesium and calcium at the same time. Magnesium will interfere with the absorption of calcium, causing your calcium supplements to go to waste," she warns. Calcium is essential for bone health, while magnesium plays a role in muscle function, relaxation, and more. By taking them together, you risk compromising the effectiveness of both supplements. Instead, she recommends separating them by at least two hours to ensure optimal absorption of each mineral.
2. Iron and Zinc
The second cautionary combination involves iron and zinc. Like calcium and magnesium, both minerals are crucial for various bodily functions, and ensuring they are absorbed adequately requires careful timing to avoid interference. "If you take these two together, they will compete with each other for absorption in the body because they both use the same pathways to get absorbed. So, separate them out by 2 hours," Doctor Ari advises.
3. Vitamin C and Copper
Vitamin C is often hailed for its immune-boosting properties, but Doctor Ari warns against combining it with copper. She explains, "High doses of vitamin C can interfere with the absorption of copper in the body." Copper is essential for the formation of red blood cells and overall immune health. To maintain a healthy balance, it's advisable to separate vitamin C and copper intake.
4. Melatonin and Coffee
While this may seem like a no-brainer, Doctor Ari discusses the unlikely combination of melatonin and coffee. "Melatonin is used to promote sleep. Caffeine is used to promote wakefulness," she reminds us. "So if you take the two together, you’re going to send conflicting signals to your brain and also disrupt your sleep-wake cycle." Mixing a sleep aid with a stimulant like caffeine is not only counterproductive but can lead to an uncomfortable experience. Doctor Ari strongly advises against this combination, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a consistent sleep routine for overall well-being.
The bottom line
It's always essential to approach supplement regimens with care. Remember, before making any changes to your supplement routine, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and doctors, to ensure your choices align with your specific health needs. The goal is to enhance well-being, and a well-informed approach to supplements plays a vital role in achieving that objective.
READ MORE: A Doctor Tells Us The 3 Worst Supplements For Your Liver: Vitamin E And More
