Supplements are known to provide added benefits compared to vitamins and minerals found in foods. The various kinds of supplements available include vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids and amino acids. Safety of supplements is a major concern for many individuals. Supplements are used to treat and prevent certain diseases. Some supplements may interact with medications and hamper their efficacy. Taking different supplements at the same time increases the risk of such interactions.
How safe is it to take two different supplements per day?
Effects of taking two different supplements in the body per day include prevention of diseases, treatment of existing conditions, increasing energy levels and mental focus. However, these supplements are not without risks. Taking too much of any supplement may produce adverse effects. Excess intake of nutrients can also put the body at risk for toxicity caused by heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and lead which are found in some herbal products.
Some research studies have focused on evaluating the safety of taking multiple supplements per day, but there were mixed results. Therefore, overall, it is safe to take two different supplements per day. If you are taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or dietary product.
There has been research conducted on the effect of taking multiple dietary supplements at one time. Research results were contradictory; some studies concluded that risk of negative effects is increased if multiple products are taken together, while others concluded that there is no significant increase in adverse effects.
Some studies have found that negative interactions between supplements may occur when they are not taken in proper doses. In some cases, taking supplements in excess of the recommended limit may lead to toxicity. For example, selenium and Vitamin E supplements when taken with Vitamin A supplements may produce toxic effects. Thus, multiple supplements should be taken in tandem with medical supervision.
Taking different dietary supplements together does not necessarily increase the risk of adverse effects. However, if you are taking medication for any condition talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or dietary product.
Supplements are recommended to be taken preferably one at a time. One can take different supplements in the morning hours or even in the same meal. For example, calcium and Vitamin D supplements may be taken together with food to increase absorption of both these nutrients.
Combining supplements usually has little or no effect on how they work and can even be beneficial in some situations, such as when vitamin C aids iron absorption. Here are some examples of supplements that can be combined:
• Omega 3 and vitamin E are important nutrients that can help you manage heart disease and keep your cholesterol levels on a normal level. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E are two important nutrients that can help persons with coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Magnesium and zinc: Magnesium and zinc have positive outcomes when taken together. Magnesium aids in the regulation of zinc levels in the body, whereas zinc maintains that magnesium is absorbed properly.
• Magnesium and vitamin D3 supplements could be taken with each other to keep the body in good working order. Magnesium is required for the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D3, and enzymes inside the liver and kidneys need it to disintegrate vitamin D3.
Doctors recommend taking only one supplement per day to avoid chances of toxicity.
You may also want to consider the following:
• If you are taking medication for any condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or dietary product.
• Take supplements only on prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
• It is important to note differences in the recommended dosage of the same product taken by different individuals. Each person’s body is different and hence may respond differently to supplements. Therefore, do not start taking a new supplement on your own without consulting a medical practitioner.
• Take supplements alongside food to provide added benefits.
However, ensure that you take each of the supplements in proper doses and at intervals as recommended by a registered medical practitioner. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you have any existing medical condition in order to avoid complications
In conclusion, supplementation is safe if done under medical supervision. Different dietary supplements should not be taken at the same time when you are taking medications without consulting your healthcare provider. If you are interested in learning more information or consulting a medical professional call us today at 205-352-9141.
