LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Many Americans take medications daily, but what they eat and drink — or even the supplements they use — can sometimes lead to unintended and potentially dangerous side effects.
We spoke with an expert who says common combinations of foods and medications are often overlooked, even though they can significantly impact how drugs work in the body.
Dr. Robert Hopkins, a professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said many people are unaware of how frequently these interactions occur.
According to studies, about half of people in the United States do not properly follow or fully understand their medication instructions.
Certain foods are among the most common culprits. Dairy products, for example, can bind to some antibiotics, preventing the body from absorbing them effectively. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can alter how some medications are metabolized, potentially leading to toxic levels or reduced effectiveness. This includes certain cholesterol drugs, blood pressure medications and thyroid treatments.
Alcohol can intensify the effects of antidepressants, antihistamines and sleep aids, while potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes and tomatoes — especially when combined with supplements — can raise potassium levels to dangerous levels. Caffeine and chocolate may also interfere with stimulants, antidepressants and some antibiotics.
“These interactions can range from minor to, in some cases, life-threatening,” Hopkins said.
Beyond food, supplements can also pose risks. St. John’s Wort, commonly used for mood support, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control and some heart medications. Ginseng and ginkgo, often taken for energy, may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners.
Other medications can affect how the body absorbs nutrients. Proton pump inhibitors, used to treat acid reflux, may reduce absorption of iron and vitamins such as B and B12. The diabetes drug metformin can also lower B12 levels.
Fiber supplements can interfere as well.
“There are at least two or three fiber supplements like Metamucil or MiraLAX or citrus cell can bind up and reduce absorption of a lot of different medicines. And so if somebody’s on a fiber supplement, I say it’s really important you take your medicines at least an hour before or two hours after that fiber supplement,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins emphasized that communication with health care providers is critical when starting or changing medications, supplements or diet.
“Talk to your pharmacists when you get a new medicine. Read those Drug Facts they give you. Don’t get scared. You know, the Drug Facts are going to have lots of information in there, and sometimes people get scared by that, but read through it if you have questions, talk to your pharmacist, talk to your healthcare professional, talk to your to your nurse, or your other parts of your healthcare team, because sometimes those scary things may not apply to you, and sometimes they do, so communication is the key for all of these things”
“It’s really important that we communicate well with our healthcare professionals about, you know, when we get a new medicine, or when there’s a change in medicine, or if you’re thinking about doing something different with your eating, you know, talk to your healthcare team, talk to your pharmacist. You know, we all need to be on the same page when it comes to medicines and foods.”
He also recommends using the same pharmacy so all medications are tracked in one place and consulting reliable online tools to check for potential drug interactions.
Health experts say being aware of these risks — and asking questions — can help prevent serious complications.
For interaction checkers click here and here.