These 2 supplements are dangerous to take together

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The combination can interfere with the body's ability to absorb them, leading to a deficiency.

While much of what we need can be obtained through a healthy, balanced diet, some of us will need an additional supplement.

Supplements are one way to ensure you don't miss out on essential nutrients. However, there are caveats to taking supplements, including what you take them with.

A nutritionist warns against taking iron and calcium supplements together, for example.

“Iron and calcium are important for good health, but when taking supplements, be aware of their competition for absorption in the digestive system. This can interfere with the body’s ability to effectively absorb these vital nutrients if taken together. Iron and calcium compete for the same receptors, and as a result, calcium interferes with iron absorption when taken together,” says the nutritionist.

This means that taking calcium and iron supplements at the same time is dangerous, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption and cause the development of iron deficiency anemia.

If you experience signs of anemia, you should talk to your doctor.

If you have been taking calcium and iron supplements at the same time and are concerned that you may be experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue and lack of energy, shortness of breath, and a noticeable heartbeat (palpitations), you should talk to your doctor.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• Headaches
• Hearing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your head (tinnitus)
• Food tastes strange
• Feeling itchy
• Sore tongue
• Hair loss – you notice more hair falling out when you brush or wash your hair
• A craving for non-food items, such as paper or ice (pica)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Painful open sores in the corners of the mouth.
• Spoon-shaped nails
• Restless legs syndrome.

How to take iron and calcium supplements safely

If you need to take iron and calcium supplements, there is a safe way to do so. If you do so a few hours apart, this should ensure that there are no problems.

“To manage any potential interactions and ensure optimal absorption, just remember that timing is crucial. If you need iron and calcium supplements, consider taking them at different times of the day. For example, take your iron supplement (with food or a supplement rich in vitamin C) in the morning and your calcium supplement in the evening. This gradual approach can help minimize interactions.”

If you need to take both calcium and iron, it’s best to take them on different days, such as one with lunch and one with dinner. Check with your doctor before starting any new supplements.