Almost 75 percent of Americans take dietary supplements, with more than half doing so on a regular basis. While these supplements can benefit people with deficiencies, certain combinations can cause health problems.
While some supplements work better when taken simultaneously, creating a synergistic effect — others should not be combined. Whether because of absorption issues or possible harm, it’s best to wait at least two hours between certain supplements for safety reasons.
1. Calcium and Magnesium
Magnesium has a multitude of health benefits, including relieving constipation and having a positive effect on heart health. Calcium is needed for bone growth and maintenance, and also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contraction and relaxation.
Taken together, they both become less effective since they compete for absorption. However, spacing them apart by taking calcium with a meal and taking magnesium at night is a way to ensure the supplements don’t interact.
