Health5 Supplements You Should Never Take Together

Combining certain supplements can reduce absorption or increase side effects. Some pairings compete for absorption, while others raise bleeding risk. Knowing which supplements to separate helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and complications.

Patient Counseling Points

• Calcium and Iron: Taking these together lowers absorption. Iron should be taken alone with water or citrus juice for better uptake.
• Calcium and Zinc: Both compete for absorption. Separate doses by a few hours to maintain effectiveness.
• Zinc and Copper: High zinc intake can block copper absorption, leading to anemia. Avoid excessive zinc and space doses.
• Fish Oil and Ginkgo Biloba: Both thin blood. Combining them increases bleeding risk, especially if you take blood thinners or have surgery scheduled.
• Activated Charcoal with Nutrients: Charcoal binds vitamins and minerals, reducing absorption. Separate by 2–4 hours and avoid long-term use.

Patient Care Applications

• When taking supplements, timing matters. Space out minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, and copper to avoid absorption issues.
• Avoid stacking blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil and ginkgo.
• Activated charcoal should never be taken with vitamins or medications.
• Always review your patients’ supplement plan, especially if they have chronic conditions or take prescription drugs.

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