Combining supplements usually doesn't interfere with how they work and, in some cases, can be beneficial; for example, vitamin C helps iron absorption. Just because supplements are safe if taken in moderation doesn't mean that the more, the better. Combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk of them causing harm, Kitchin said. Fortunately, there are no harmful side effects, but Dr.
Airey states that “it's just not effective to take them together, as the body's ability to absorb vitamins is reduced if they are taken together.” If you take a traditional blood thinner such as warfarin, just a small amount of vitamin K in an MVM can reduce its concentration. For example, if you take a multivitamin first thing in the morning, try to do it every day to maintain consistency. Kitchin also recommended calcium and vitamin D supplements to some patients at risk of osteoporosis, but I always review their diet first before prescribing them. According to the National Institutes of Health, taking high doses of vitamin C can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea.
These vitamins, minerals, and herbal products are meant to improve your health in a number of ways and can be an effective way to fill nutritional gaps in your diet. The body absorbs some of its vitamins better with food, so it is advisable to take them with a meal or a snack. However, in moderation, there are some supplements that may be recommended if those vitamins or minerals are lacking in your diet. However, some studies have shown that vitamin C could break down vitamin B12 in the digestive tract, reducing the absorption of vitamin B12. That said, Kitchin said that a multivitamin can help compensate for some deficiencies in a person's diet, especially if they avoid certain food groups such as meat or dairy products.
The only exception in this case is a multivitamin, and that's because the combination of nutrients included in that multivitamin is formulated this way. For example, many vitamins for older people contain more calcium and vitamins D and B12 than younger people need. David Jenkins also said that, when taken in moderation, most vitamin and mineral supplements cause no harm.