Beware of combinations: Supplements that should not be taken together
Medical Advice
Express newspaper
20/04/2026 20:04
In an increasingly crowded market of nutritional supplements, experts warn that not every combination is safe – and that taking them incorrectly can do more harm than good.
On the shelves of “wellness” stores and on social media, supplements are promoted as solutions for energy, immunity, or physical performance.
But specialists say the reality is more complex: not all products are necessary and some combinations can interfere with each other’s effects.
What are supplements and why are they used?
Dietary supplements are products that aim to supplement the diet with vitamins and minerals that the body may not be getting enough from food. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, or powders.
Among the most commonly used are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, omega-3, magnesium, and probiotics. Each of them is associated with different functions such as immunity, brain health, energy, or digestion.
However, experts emphasize that the benefit depends on the body’s real need and not on trends or advertising.
When supplements become a problem
Nutritionist Ella Kaur Maan explains that supplements can be beneficial when used wisely, but warns that “more” does not mean “better.”
According to her, the most common mistakes include:
taking products recommended from social networks without professional advice
combining several supplements with the same ingredients
inattention to dosages and product quality
She also emphasizes that supplements do not replace the basics of health: balanced nutrition, sleep, and physical activity.
Combinations to avoid
Experts warn that some supplements should not be taken simultaneously, as they can reduce each other’s effects or increase the risk of vitamin overdose.
Among the problematic combinations are mentioned:
probiotics with antibacterial herbs like garlic or oregano
iron with green tea or calcium, which reduce its absorption
taking several supplements at the same time containing vitamins A, D, E or K, risking toxicity
Even dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton points out that many people make the mistake of combining similar products without realizing that they are exceeding safe doses.
What do specialists recommend?
Experts advise using a simple multivitamin when needed, rather than multiple uncontrolled combinations. Also, the way you eat directly affects their absorption – for example, vitamins A, D, E and K are better absorbed with fat, while iron is better absorbed with vitamin C.
In conclusion, specialists emphasize that supplements can be a useful support, but only when used carefully, in an informed and personalized manner. /GazetaExpress/