Combining supplements and medications can indeed lead to serious health risks if not properly managed. Here’s a brief summary of the critical supplement-medication interactions:
Key Supplement-Medication Interactions to Avoid
1. Vitamin B6 & Levodopa: Taking more than 5-10 mg of B6 per say can reduce the effectiveness of the Parkinson’s medication Levodopa; monitoring is essential.
2. Vitamin K & Blood Thinners: Vitamin K can have serious interactions with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin). Keep a vitamin K rich diet to help blood clot appropriately.
3. Iron/Calcium & Thyroid Hormone: Iron supplements can bind to thyroid hormones making it harder for the body to absorb Take at least 2-4 hours apart for the best benefits.
4. Vitamin C & Aluminum Antacids: Taking vitamin C and antacids together can lead to toxic levels of aluminum in the body. This can lead to weakened bones and neurological issues.
5. Vitamin E & Blood Thinners: The use of vitamin E with blood thinners reduces blood clotting abilities and might increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
6. St. John’s Wort & Various Medications: Lowers effectiveness of antidepressants, birth control, and blood thinners. Life-threatening levels of serotonin is possible with mood stimulants.
7. Goldenseal & Blood Clotting Medications: Interferes with clotting, raising risk of bleeding and bruising. Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding or have a seizure disorder.
8. Ginkgo Biloba & Blood Thinners: A moderate drug risk is present, negatively interacting with blood thinners, causing a heightened risks of bruising or bleeding.
9. Licorice Root & Diuretics/ Blood Pressure Medications: Licorice root can cause ACE inhibitors or diuretics to not work well, leading to a buildup of potassium in the body.
Best Practices for Managing Supplement-Medication Interactions
Timing: Spacing doses is key. U.S. Pharmacist states a minimum of two hours is usually mandated, with some sources citing 4-6 hours as a minimum recommendation.
Consultation: Most importantly, use the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other healthcare provider for information on integrating medications and supplements with the lowest level of health risks.
Pharmacist Checks: Pharmacists are valuable resources for identifying possible interactions and can provide dosing advice. Web MD offers a quick online checker at Drug Interaction Checker.
Awareness and proper timing of supplements and medications can greatly reduce the risk of adverse effects, ensuring a safer approach to health management. Always contact your healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing a medication/supplement concoction to protect your health and wellbeing.
American Online Benefits Group offers plans to help offset the costs should you have a reaction from mixing medication and supplements. Contact our Member Services Team today for more information at (214) 389-9072.
