Many people choose to use supplements for a variety of reasons. Whether to support the treatment of medical issues or enhance overall health, supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics can all be beneficial to individuals regardless of health status.
Depending on how many different supplements you choose to take, you might find yourself wondering if it's okay to combine them. The answer is, "It depends". Although many supplements are safe to combine, there are several combinations that you shouldn't take. Supplements might interact not only with each other but can also interact with medications you may be taking. That's why knowing the potential interactions of supplements is important.
It's important to know which supplement combinations to avoid and when to take supplements for the most beneficial results before choosing the best ones to achieve your needs and health goals.
Note: Not all supplements and drug combinations that could be problematic are covered in this article. Please talk to your medical professional about all supplements and medications before taking them. This article is purely educational and not intended to be used as medical advice.
10 Supplement Combinations to Avoid
The chemical constituents of herbs have only been the subject of a small number of scientific research, and the benefits and disadvantages of herbal combinations in terms of health have received even less research. However, several combinations may be harmful, and you should therefore avoid them. Examples of harmful combinations include:
- St. John's Wort and Antidepressants - St. John's Wort is commonly used for mood disorders, but it can interact adversely with antidepressant medications, leading to serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition. When combined with other antidepressants, St. John’s Wort can lead to a dangerous level of serotonin. Or conversely, it can weaken the effects of the antidepressant. The combination has been known to cause fever, anxiety, elevated heartbeat, muscle spasms, and confusion.
- Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 Fish Oil - Gingko Biloba and Omega 3 fish oil supplements have been singled out as one particularly risky combination as they may inhibit good blood coagulation and raise your risk of uncontrolled bleeding. If you have a known medical condition that requires a blood thinner, such as atrial fibrillation, a blood clotting disorder, heart valve replacement, or a knee or hip replacement, don’t take any natural blood thinning supplements — alone or in combination — without the consent of your healthcare provider.
- Valerian Root and Sedatives - Both valerian root and sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) have calming effects. Combining them can intensify the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness or dizziness.
- Vitamin C and Copper - Copper functions with specific proteins as an antioxidant and prevents vascular injury and damage. High dosages of vitamin C have been found to reduce copper absorption.
- Garlic and Anticoagulants - Garlic has mild blood-thinning properties. When combined with anticoagulant medications like heparin or warfarin, it can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Saw Palmetto and Hormonal Medications - Saw palmetto is sometimes used for prostate health, but it may interfere with medications that affect hormone levels, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
- Kava and alcohol - Both Kava and alcohol are natural products that have similar sedative effects and work by depressing the central nervous system. When taken together, they compound these effects. The combination can be dangerous, causing cognitive impairment. While studies are mixed, taking kava together with alcohol may increase your risk of liver toxicity.
- Green Tea and Iron - Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce hemoglobin, which red blood cells need to transport oxygen throughout your body, and myoglobin, which provides oxygen to your muscles. Green tea is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that support a strong immune response and reduce oxidative stress, helping to minimize your risk for chronic disease. But when you take the two together, you limit their effectiveness. Iron absorption may be affected by the polyphenols and tannins in tea. Studies have shown that when you consume green tea with an iron supplement or iron-rich meal, it limits the amount of iron your body absorbs.
- Licorice Root and Diuretics - Licorice root has been associated with fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances. Combining it with diuretic medications can intensify these effects and lead to complications.
- Valerian and Kava - Taking these supplements together can cause dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, respiratory depression, impaired judgment, decrease in motor control, and difficulty concentrating.
Tips for Safely Combining Herbal Supplements
If you take herbal supplements at the right times for the right reasons, natural plant-based supplements can offer a variety of health benefits. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the best decision.
Learn about supplements. Knowledge is power. Many Western Medicine healthcare providers are not well-versed in herbal supplements and what they can do for your health. Educate yourself using our Herb Reference Guide and research-backed literature.
Always consult with your doctor before taking supplements. Determine whether the supplements you've learned about may enhance your health or interact with medications you may already be taking by talking to your doctor about your health goals. Before recommending new prescriptions or scheduling surgery, your doctor must be aware of the supplements you're taking.
Ensure that your supplements are of the best possible quality and are produced by reliable growers. To ensure complete transparency and give you peace of mind regarding the purity, integrity, and potency of supplements, always read your supplement labels and choose products that utilize third-party testing.
Follow the dosing guidelines. On their labels, all reliable supplement companies will include dosing instructions. Unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise, heed these instructions. Don't take more than the advised dosage.
Keep track of side effects. Even though the majority of herbal supplements have documented adverse effects, each person is different. You might find that you're allergic to a certain herb or that you react differently than other people have in the past. If any negative side effects become severe, stop using the product.
While herbal supplements can offer potential health benefits, it's crucial to be aware of potential interactions and contraindications when combining them. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist before starting any new herbal supplement regimen, particularly if you are taking medications or have pre-existing health conditions. Their expertise will ensure your safety and help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
About the author.
Emily Alexander, M.Ed, FNTP—Emily is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with Curated Wellness. She is passionate about supporting others in their journey to improve their relationship with food and their body through gentle nutrition, and is a firm believer that understanding the bio-individual components of nutrition is one of the best ways to do so. Emily completed her Master’s of education in health education and promotion with a concentration in eating disorders, and draws from both her educational background and life experience to help her clients improve their energy, understand their bodies, boost their athletic potential, and break down diet myths one at a time. Read more about Emily.
The information presented on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Statements within this site have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific condition or disease, nor is it medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health conditions or concerns. One should always consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary and/or lifestyle change or new health program. Curated Wellness does not take responsibility for any health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content.
REFERENCES:
1. St. John's Wort and Depression: In Depth | NCCIH (nih.gov)
3. Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid? - Mayo Clinic
5. Interaction between garlic and anticoagulant Warfarin | Vinmec
6. Saw Palmetto Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com
7. Kava - Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au)
9. LICORICE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)
10. Kava and Valerian Root Interactions - Drugs.com
