Published By: Ishani Karmakar

Supplements That Should Not Be Mixed

It is possible for supplements to interact with one another, as well as with any prescriptions you might be taking. It is best to get your med routine evaluated by a medical professional.

Supplements are used by a large population as a method of treating and preventing illness and enhancing overall health. Nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics, have been shown to have positive effects on human health. It's possible that you're using a stack of supplements. There are, however, several permutations that should be avoided. Your current supplement regimen, as well as any drugs you may be taking, may have unintended side effects. So, it's crucial to be aware of any supplement interactions that can occur.

Calcium and magnesium

When used simultaneously, excessive dosages of calcium can inhibit magnesium absorption (2600mg daily). Calcium supplements should be taken before bedtime rather than after a meal if you have a significant risk of magnesium deficiency. That's because it's possible that consuming the calcium supplement with food would reduce the body's absorption of magnesium from the meal.

Copper and vitamin C

Taking more than 1,500 milligrammes of vitamin C daily may inhibit copper absorption. The study's results were based on a small sample of young males and presumably only apply to those with inadequate copper in their diets.

Combining iron with green tea Green tea can inhibit iron absorption when taken with iron. If you take both, the impact may not be noticeable to you, but your doctor may figure it out.

Interaction Potential of Supplements With Medications It is possible for some nutritional supplements to affect the way a drug is absorbed, metabolised, or eliminated from the body. If it occurs, you risk receiving too much or too little of the desired effect from your prescription. Please find below a list of frequently used vitamins and supplements, along with potential drug interactions.

Ashwagandha

An adaptogen, ashwagandha is utilised in both TCM and Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is a tiny evergreen plant native to arid regions across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It has been used for centuries for its purported ability to alleviate stress and promote restful sleep. Ashwagandha may have drug interactions with several different types of drugs.

Ashwagandha may enhance the danger of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes medications (hypoglycemia). Herbal remedies may aid with diabetes treatment, but when used with conventional medications, they may cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Pharmaceuticals for treating hypertension

Ashwagandha may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, according to animal studies, which might increase the risk of hypotension in patients using blood pressure medication.

Immunosuppressants

In humans, ashwagandha has been demonstrated to increase the body's natural defences. The immunosuppressive effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to treat cancer and nephrotic syndrome, have been demonstrated to be mitigated by ashwagandha in animal studies.

Zinc

Zinc is a versatile mineral that helps with digestion, immunity, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and even your sense of smell and taste. Zinc, however, can have negative interactions with a wide variety of drugs.