A TikTok pharmacist posted a video revealing three supplements that he warns viewers to never take. She says warning labels should be added to supplement bottles because mistakes can lead to dangerous consequences.
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Ariana Medizade (@thewellnesspharm)’s viral video has received over 7,000 likes so far. In the caption she wrote: “The correct way to take supplements. How to use supplements. Supplementary information. Health tips for women. Supplementary information on do’s and don’ts. How to supplement properly. This is a supplement that I would never take.”
In the one-minute video, Medizard added an on-screen caption urging viewers to “stop making dangerous supplement mistakes.”
What are the dangerous mistakes with supplements?
As a pharmacist, she says there are three supplements she would never take, even if someone begged her to take them.
“Supplements should have warning labels like this, but I never take vitamin D3 alone,” she explains first. “You should always take vitamin D3 with K2.”
Dr. Medizard says that taking vitamin D3 without added K2 can cause calcium to be absorbed in the wrong places in the body, such as in the arteries instead of the bones.
“This can lead to calcification and other long-term health problems,” she continues.
What are the benefits of taking vitamin D3 with K2?
“Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb more calcium, while vitamin K2 helps the body transport calcium to the bones and teeth instead of keeping it in the arteries and other soft tissues in the body. ” said Clover International Medicine. Strengthening your bones and keeping your heart healthy can reduce your risk of certain health problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, the article states.
According to CIM, most people don’t eat things high in K2, so it can be difficult to get these nutrients through your diet. As Medizade suggests, taking both of these minerals in supplement form will help your body function properly.
Medizard says the next supplement to watch out for is St. John’s wort, “especially if you were taking oral contraceptives or were taking other medications at the time.”
What is St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s wort is known as a “CYP3A4 inducer,” she says. This is because it promotes the metabolism of drugs in the body. Using a CYP3A4 inducer while taking another drug “is like not taking that drug in the first place,” she says.
MedSafe has identified that some inducers of CYP3A4 include “phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, St. John’s wort, and glucocorticoids.”
According to ScienceDirect, combining St. John’s wort with certain medications can cause “increased metabolism, irregular bleeding, follicle growth, and ovulation.”
“Women using OCs should be aware that St. John’s wort may interfere with contraceptive effectiveness,” the article states.
Finally, Medizard urges viewers to never take zinc and magnesium at the same time, as they “compete for absorption” when taken together. “You’re just wasting your money,” she added.
Taking multiple supplements at once
Health.com acknowledges that when you take a high dose of one mineral, “other supplements may not be absorbed as well.” However, “for most people, taking magnesium and zinc together is safe” if the appropriate doses are used.
The article states, “Before taking, consult your health care provider about potential interactions with other supplements or medications you may be taking.”
The article states that mild symptoms at low doses may include “diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.” At lower doses this is unlikely to be a big problem, but as a precaution, you may decide to take them in portions, as Medizard suggests.
Medizard offers advice for those who choose to take supplements that combine zinc and magnesium. “Make sure your dosage is optimized,” she says.
“Typically, we look for a ratio of 1:10 or 1:15,” she quickly adds.
What is the recommended intake of zinc and magnesium?
According to researchers at Health.com, the ideal intake of magnesium and zinc “alone or in combination” can vary depending on factors such as age, medical condition, and degree of mineral deficiency.
“You may want to consider taking your dose at a different time,” they suggest. “Zinc and magnesium can interfere with each other’s absorption at high doses.”
@thewellnesspharm The correct way to take supplements. How to use supplements. Additional information. Health tips for women. We’ll add some do’s and don’ts. How to compensate well. Supplements I would never take. #Effective supplements #How to take supplements #Supplements for women #Wellness talk ♬ Original song – Ariana Medizade
The Daily Dot reached out to Mehdizadeh for comment via email.
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