Almost half of Brits admit to taking a supplement at least once a month in the pursuit of achieving optimum health.
But some of the UK’s most popular pills could be putting users at risk when taken in certain combinations, experts have warned.
Potential harms of mixing supplements range from deficiencies to even organ damage, experts warn.
Taking iron tablets — known medically as ferrous sulfate — for example, alongside magnesium or calcium, may interfere how iron is absorbed in the blood, making it less effective in treating anaemia and could trigger stomach upset.
B vitamins, meanwhile, should be avoided when drinking alcohol, according to wellness guru Natalie Jurado, who owns wellness brand Rooted In.
This is despite limited research suggesting it could help reduce hangover symptoms.
In an Instagram video liked over 24,000 times, Ms Jurado said: ‘Iron is a bit of a diva, she doesn’t play well with coffee, tea, calcium or magnesium.
‘She likes an acidic environment so make sure to take her with vitamin C.’
B vitamins should be avoided when drinking alcohol , according to wellness guru Natalie Jurado, who owns wellness brand Rooted In
Some of the UK’s most popular pills could be putting users at risk when taken in certain combinations, experts have warned
This is because iron is crucial nutrient in making red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.
However, if taken alongside a cup of black or green tea or coffee, iron supplements can bind to tannins, the plant compounds that are found in tea and coffee, instead of being absorbed by the body.
This interaction only occurs if the drinks and iron supplements are taken directly together at the same time.
Medics have also previously warned that taking magnesium or calcium at the same time as iron in higher doses can trigger gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and constipation.
Another common risk of taking them at the same time is that they counteract each other, meaning they become ineffective,, which could leave you facing a potential vitamin or mineral deficiency.
A similar interaction also occurs with zinc and calcium or magnesium supplements, Ms Jurado said.
She added: ‘Turmeric interferes with blood thinners, diabetes medication and antacids so make sure to talk to your doctor about this one.
‘And apparently people think that by taking B vitamins, it’s going to prevent a hangover.
The NHS says most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet
‘But B vitamins won’t absorb if you’re having alcohol. It’s just not going to work.’
Limited studies have suggested vitamin B may reduce the symptoms of a hangover but there is no clinical evidence to suggest this is the case.
Other research has also shown alcohol inhibits absorption of nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc.
The NHS says most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet.
Ms Jurado also suggested some combinations of supplements that work well together.
‘Turmeric and black pepper,’ she said. ‘The black pepper boosts absorption by around 2000 per cent.
‘You don’t need a lot, just a little pinch will do.’
She added: ‘Vitamin D and fat. Vitamin D is fat soluble so take it with a meal.
‘Vitamin B6 also improves magnesium uptake.
‘Lastly, zinc and protein. The protein is going to help the zinc work more effectively in your body.’
