Supplement Interactions and Combinations

Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the world today. More and more people are resorting to vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies to stay as healthy as possible. You may find yourself asking: “Why are these supplements so popular and can they actually boost my health?”

To answer this question we have to start with the basics of nutrition. The best way to get all the nutrients your body needs is to follow a healthy, balanced diet. However, many people don’t get the right amount of essential nutrients from their diets. This is where dietary supplements come in; they provide the much-needed nutrients that may be missing from your diet. [1][2]

Supplements are great for bridging the gap between inadequate nutrition and optimal health, but it is important to keep in mind that some supplements can affect the way medicines you already take work.

Use your supplements responsibly

Some supplements could have side-effects and others may interact with certain medications or other supplements. You also need to take supplements cautiously if you suffer from any medical conditions or if you are pregnant.

Have you ever heard someone saying that too much of a good thing can be bad for you? As far as supplements are concerned, taking too much can actually be harmful to your health. It is therefore always important to read the dosage instructions of any supplements that you are taking.

 

At Oxford Vitality, your health is a top priority and that is why we use the finest ingredients from around the world to produce world-class vitamins, minerals and herbal health supplements. Every product we create begins with our nutrition team and we only sell products that pass our very own strict internal guidelines.

We are especially proud of our top 15 products and for your safety, we have studied their ingredients for the possible interactions they may have with other substances. Also, to make sure you get the best out of these products we have some suggestions on how supplement combinations can provide even greater health benefits.

Vitamin D3 and K2 MK7

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that mainly plays a part in maintaining sufficient calcium levels in the body. Healthy Vitamin D and calcium levels in the body can contribute to dental and bone health and to the maintenance of muscle strength. Furthermore, Vitamin D has been linked to improved immune and inflammatory responses. [3]

Steroid medications, weight loss meds and cholesterol-lowering drugs may lower Vitamin D levels in the body and it is dangerous to take supplements containing vitamin D with diabetes medications, blood pressure tablets, seizure medications and antacids. [4]

Vitamin K2 is also known as menaquinone. It has two roles in the body and these are to promote normal clotting in the blood and to help with calcium absorption. By helping the body balance calcium levels it aids in creating strong, healthy bones and teeth. [5]

Vitamin K2 may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin. [6]

A great idea would be to take our Vitamin D3 and K2 MK7 supplement with our calcium and vitamin D3 supplement or our Joint Support product.

Organic Turmeric and Black Pepper

Research shows that Turmeric can be used as an antioxidant and also for keeping the liver, joints, bones and upper respiratory tract healthy. But most importantly, it stimulates a healthy appetite and aids the absorption of nutrients from food. [7]

Because of its inhibitory effects on blood clotting and because of its effect on blood sugar, Turmeric should be used with caution in people who use anticoagulants and anti-diabetic medications as it may affect how they work in the body. [7][8]

It has been suggested that black pepper aids the functions of the digestive system and it may increase gastric secretions that help with digestion. It also increases the absorption of nutrients like curcumin which is the main active compound in turmeric. [9]

Black pepper may have diverse interactions with cyclosporine and some psychiatric medications. [10]

Why not try our Organic Turmeric and Black Pepper supplement with our Papain and Bromelain or Ginger supplements?

OV Pregnancy Care (Vitamin D3, Calcium, Folic acid, Iodine, Iron, Vitamin B6, B12)

Vitamin D is beneficial during pregnancy because of the effect it has on calcium levels in the body. Healthy Vitamin D and calcium levels help to promote dental and bone health and to maintain muscle strength. Vitamin D may also optimize immune and inflammatory responses. [3]

Steroid medications, weight loss meds and cholesterol-lowering drugs may lower Vitamin D concentrations in the body during pregnancy and it is not advisable to take supplements containing vitamin D along with diabetes medications, blood pressure tablets, seizure medications and antacids. [4]

Calcium can be used to maintain the strength and integrity of the pregnant mother’s bones and teeth. Frequently pregnant women suffer from symptoms like hip pain and brittle bones or teeth. [11]

Antacids may decrease calcium levels in the body but this is only a minor issue. A greater cause for concern is the interaction between calcium and ceftriaxone which is dangerous seeing as calcium stones can be formed that are life-threatening to mother and baby. [11][12]

It has been proven clinically that folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects like Spina Bifida. [13]

Folic acid interacts with seizure medications and it may also influence the way that chemotherapeutic medications work. [14]

Iodine is suggested to be beneficial during pregnancy as it contributes to the child’s growth and mental development.

Iodine supplements may interact with anti-thyroid medications used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and adverse effects have been reported where iodine was taken with blood pressure medications. It may also affect the actions of certain psychiatric medications like Lithium. [15][16]

Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 provide benefits for both mother and child during pregnancy. Both of these vitamins play vital roles in foetal development. [17]

Vitamin B6 may interact with certain seizure medications like Phenobarbital and Phenytoin and Vitamin B12 could have interactions with Chloramphenicol when taken simultaneously. [14]

The OV Pregnancy Care supplement can be greatly complemented by a ginger supplement.

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is the enzyme that silkworms use to dissolve their cocoons. It has anti-inflammatory actions and it breaks down excessive mucous and the proteins that stimulate inflammatory proteins. By targeting inflammation, pain can possibly be reduced in some disorders by taking a serrapeptase supplement.

Serrapeptase should not be used along with anticoagulants or Nattokinase which have effects on blood clotting as this may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. [18]

Try to combine our Serrapeptase supplement with our ZMA supplement.

Zinc

Zinc may contribute to boosting the health of your immune system and it has benefits for male health. Zinc is very effective in combating the symptoms of colds and flu. Additionally, Zinc has antioxidant properties and it is also used in beauty products because it is effective in promoting skin, hair and nail health. [19]

Zinc use should be carefully considered when you are using antibiotics. [14]

A good idea would be to combine our Zinc supplement with a Selenium or Vitamin C supplement.

Selenium

Selenium is mainly known for its effect on spermatogenesis; for promoting sperm function and production. Moreover, Selenium helps to maintain healthy hair and nails and it promotes thyroid function. Selenium is also essential for maintaining the health of the immune system and for improving vitality through its antioxidant effects.

Because of its effect on blood clotting, selenium may interact with anticoagulants and as it can alter blood fat levels it should be used cautiously along with cholesterol-lowering drugs. [20]

Why not try our Selenium supplement with Vitamins A, C, E and Biotin supplements.

MSM

MSM is vital for the production of glycosaminoglycans. The role of glycosaminoglycans is to lubricate your joints. Low levels of glycosaminoglycan are a main causative factor of osteoporosis. They are also popular for their contribution to connective tissue health and they may boost joint health.

MSM may interact with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and it may also affect the way that anticoagulants work. [21][22]

Consider taking our MSM supplement along with our Glucosamine or Joint Support supplements.

Biotin

Biotin contributes to normal levels of energy and the metabolism of macronutrients (Fats, Carbohydrates and Proteins). It may improve the health and physiological functioning of the nervous system. It has also been discovered that Biotin can help with the maintenance of mucous membranes and that of normal skin and hair.

Long-term antibiotic treatment may decrease the bacterial synthesis of biotin in the body. [23]

Why don’t you think about taking our Biotin supplement with our Zinc, Vitamin A, C, E and Vitamin B Complex supplements?

Quercetin

Quercetin is popular for its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and for protecting the cells from damage.

Quercetin may interfere with the way certain medications like cyclosporine and antibiotics function in the body. [24]

It is a great idea to use our Quercetin supplement with our Turmeric and Black Pepper or Ginger supplements.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is known for its high level of antioxidants. It has been shown to have stronger antioxidant properties than Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Its antioxidant activity helps to maintain cell integrity. This supplement is a great option for preventing you from feeling fatigued.

Astaxanthin may have interactions with Asthma Medication or Blood Pressure Lowering Medications as it plays a part in reducing the negative effects of conditions like asthma and blood pressure. [25]

Think about taking our Astaxanthin supplement with our Vitamin C, Selenium or OV Energy Boost supplements.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is a beneficial herb for regulating the urogenital system of women. The plant is an adaptogen and therefore it can also have calming properties that can help with stress and mood. In addition, Don Quai has therapeutic health effects on the circulatory system and it supports oxygen transport by the red blood cells. Lastly, it has an incredible invigorating effect on almost all of the body systems including the cardiovascular system. It supports the normal function and metabolism of these systems.

Dong Quai may interact with Anticoagulants such as Warfarin. [26]

A great idea would be to take our Sage Leaf or White Kwao Krua supplements with our Dong Quai supplement.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has strong therapeutic abilities as it affects cognitive function. This benefit is caused by the contribution that this herb makes to normal blood circulation to the brain. Brain performance and reactivity is promoted through these effects. Ginkgo is rich in antioxidants and therefore, it helps to scavenge free radicals that may cause damage to the integrity of the body’s cells which may lead to ill health.

To prevent excessive bleeding, Ginkgo Biloba should not be used with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen. [27]

Consider taking the Ginkgo Biloba supplement along with our Ginseng, Zinc or B Complex supplements.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal metabolism of energy which promotes the normal functioning of the nervous system while also reducing fatigue. Moreover, it has been shown to contribute to the metabolism of homocysteine and to the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 could have interactions with Chloramphenicol when they are taken simultaneously. [28]

Why don’t you consider taking our B12 supplement with our OV Energy Boost, Folic Acid or Vitamin B Complex supplements?

Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA is an organic compound found within every cell of the body. It plays a role in aerobic metabolism by acting as a coenzyme to the B vitamins. It aids the citric acid cycle by promoting the functions of enzymes in the mitochondria where the universal form of energy is produced. Additionally, it may have antioxidant actions in the body.

ALA may affect the way that Chemotherapy Medications and Anti-diabetes Drugs are used by the body. [29]

Why don’t you take our Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement with our OV Antioxidant Boost supplement?

 

White Kidney Bean

Kidney beans are a rich source of protein and it contains almost all of the amino acids we need in our diets. Furthermore, Chromium is one of the main nutrients in Kidney beans and it contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and the maintenance of stable blood sugar levels and appetite.

The white kidney bean supplement interacts with anti-diabetic medications because of the effect it has on blood sugar levels. [30]

Think about our Garlic supplement along with our White Kidney Bean supplement.

 

Stay on the safe side

Supplements can have wonderful benefits for your health, but some of them may affect the way that other medicines work in the body. Remember to ask for the advice of your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

At Oxford Vitality, we have 2 on hand nutritionists to assist you with any concerns that you may have about taking supplements safely.

A little bit of advice never hurt anyone, so rather stay on the safe side.