Large doses of minerals can compete with each other to be absorbed. Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.
You can—but it's probably not a good idea. For some supplements, optimal absorption can depend on the time of day taken. Not only that—taking certain vitamins, minerals, or other supplements together can also reduce absorption and may result in adverse interactions, which can be harmful to your health.
Combining supplements will not normally interfere with the way they work and in some cases may be beneficial, for example vitamin C helps iron absorption.
You can take magnesium with several other vitamins and minerals to enhance their contributions to your health. Your body depends on magnesium to allow it to absorb vitamin D. Enzymes in your liver and kidneys need magnesium to break down the vitamin and convert it into a form your body can work with.
Mayo Clinic suggests aiming to leave at least one to two hours between vitamins. “I usually tell people to take them at a separate meal,” says Brissette.
Can you take vitamin D and magnesium together? Yes. In fact, it's probably best to take both together. Because so many people have low magnesium levels, vitamin D supplements on their own aren't very helpful for a large portion of the population.
So, get enough vitamin D—just take it in the morning or afternoon. At night, take supplements that support sleep quality and muscle relaxation, like magnesium and melatonin (which you'll find in soothing, sippable Bulletproof Sleep Collagen Protein).
Some vitamins that should not be taken together, or have dosage limitations, include vitamin C with vitamin B-12, vitamin A supplement with vitamin A-rich foods, folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12, and vitamin E with vitamin K.
Any ingredient in a multiple vitamin supplement can be toxic in large amounts, but the most serious risk comes from iron or calcium. Additional risks are associated with large or toxic doses of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A.
Combining multiple supplements or taking higher-than-recommended doses can increase the risk that they can cause harm, said Kitchin. "You really can't get toxic doses of nutrients through food, but you can absolutely get toxic doses through supplements," Kitchin said.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
Antibiotics: Taking magnesium supplements may reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and nitrofurantoin (Macrodandin). Magnesium should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications. Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics include: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.
Every stack should include a protein powder and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). For most people (if budget allows), adding in a quality multivitamin and green food powder helps to fill any nutrient gaps and can contribute to improved energy levels, metabolism, and recovery.
“Digestion slows down during sleep, so taking your nutrient supplement late at night would not be associated with an efficient absorption.” Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist at NOW Foods, agrees that morning is best for multivitamins and any B vitamins.
Supplementing vitamin B6 may improve sleep quality and duration. A 2019 study also found that taking a supplement of magnesium, melatonin, and vitamin B complex for 3 months improved sleep and helped treat insomnia.
Magnesium
Magnesium is perhaps the most important vitamin or mineral when it comes to sleep. It plays a key role in the bodily function that regulates sleep and studies have shown that sleep suffers without optimal vitamin intake.
B Complex Vitamins
I would discourage people from taking a B complex and instead get it from food sources. Especially since taking one before bed can keep you awake.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
When taken in combination, magnesium and zinc have mutual benefits. Magnesium helps the body regulate its zinc levels, while zinc ensures that magnesium is absorbed effectively by the body. Zinc is important to digest food, boost the immune system, synthesize proteins, and keep bones strong and healthy.