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When Drugs and Supplements Don't Mix
by Susan M. Kleiner, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Karen Friedman-Kester, MS, RD
While physicians and pharmacists often pay close attention to drug/drug interactions, drug /nutrient interactions are often overlooked. Here are some key tips to consider when taking your medication with vitamin and/or mineral supplements.
General Guidelines:
- Always follow the individual recommendation of consuming your medication with food or on an empty stomach. It affects how the food is absorbed.
- Take medication with water. Avoid caffeinated beverages and never take medications with grapefruit juice; it can affect the way drugs are metabolized.
- Real licorice can affect the actions of diuretics as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid imported licorice when taking medication.
- Be cautious when taking over-the -counter or prescription medications with herbal remedies. Herbal Remedies are themselves drugs.
| Classification of Drugs |
Nutrient Interaction |
| Acne Medication |
Avoid Vitamin A supplements. |
| Antibiotics |
Do not take with mineral supplements. They can reduce the absorption of the antibiotic. Antibiotics may also decrease Vitamin K, Biotin and B -12 production. |
| Antidepressants |
Folic acid can potentiate the effects of Lithium. Foods high in tyramine, such as hard cheese, wine and cured meats, can interact with antidepressant medications that are MAO inhibitors. |
| Hormones and other Gynecological drugs |
Oral contraceptives may increase your Vitamin B-6 requirement, while decreasing your vitamin A requirement. |
| Minerals |
Take iron with Vitamin C to improve absorption. Take calcium with Vitamin D and lactose (Milk) to improve absorption. Avoid taking multiple minerals at the same time as they compete with each other for absorption. Whole grain foods can bind minerals reducing absorption. |
| NSAIDS |
Can reduce folate activity. |
| Vitamins |
Biotin and Pantothenic acid absorption is reduced when taken together at high doses. |
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