More and more people are turning to dietary supplements to improve their health and well-being. In stores or on the internet, the offer continues to increase. However, not all of these people are aware that taking several food supplements can be risky if taken incorrectly. Let's take stock of the dosages, dosages and risks to avoid.
What you must remember :
- Each supplement has its own composition and concentration of nutrients.
- The combination of several food supplements may present potential risks: overdose or interactions.
- Dietary supplements containing common ingredients may be at risk of overdose.
- Food supplements with different ingredients may be at risk if they have the same effects.
- If you plan to take several probiotics at the same time, it is best to opt for strains that complement each other.
- If in doubt, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The importance of dosage and dosage of dietary supplements
When considering taking multiple dietary supplements at the same time, one of the crucial first steps is to understand the recommended dosages for each product. Each supplement has its own composition and nutrient concentration, which means that the dosages needed can vary greatly from product to product.
It is important to note that recommended dosages are not universal and may depend on several factors , including age, gender, weight, general health, and specific goals. Before combining supplements, it is essential to educate yourself on the appropriate dosages for each product. This may involve reading product labels carefully, consulting reliable sources online, or ideally seeking advice from a healthcare professional before starting anything.
Potential risks of combining food supplements
Combining several dietary supplements may present potential risks that require special attention. Here are examples of risks to which you are exposed:
Risk of interaction between the different components of the supplements
One of the main risks lies in the interactions between the different components of supplements. Certain nutrients or active substances may interact in complex ways, potentially causing unexpected effects or reducing the effectiveness of one or another supplement.
For example, some vitamins and minerals may compete for absorption in the intestine. Taking multiple supplements containing competing minerals, such as calcium and iron, at the same time may reduce the absorption of one or both nutrients, which may impact their effectiveness.
Risk of overdose
Additionally, there is a risk of overdose when multiple supplements provide the same active substance . For example, if you take a supplement containing vitamin C and another also containing vitamin C, you may likely exceed the recommended daily dose, which can potentially have side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
Risk of interaction with prescription drugs
Some supplements may also interact with prescription medications you already take. These interactions can alter the effectiveness of medications or cause unwanted side effects. It is crucial to discuss the use of dietary supplements with your healthcare professional, mentioning any medications you are currently taking.
How to avoid nutrient overdoses when taking several food supplements?
As you will have understood, taking several food supplements can cause health risks if they are incorrectly combined. But then, how to find your way? Don't panic, we tell you everything!
Distinct objectives but common substances
Please note that just because the purposes of the dietary supplements you wish to take at the same time are different does not mean they cannot share certain ingredients. This is particularly the case for vitamins and minerals. In this case, even at the dosages recommended by their respective manufacturers, taking the supplements at the same time can lead to overdose and associated side effects.
In order to prevent this type of situation, it is recommended not to take several food supplements simultaneously without the advice of a health professional. But, if this situation happens to you, do not hesitate to list all the ingredients present in the food supplements and add their respective dosages to see if there is a risk of overdose. Also be careful to take into account the quantities of elements that can be found in the diet. This is particularly important for substances such as fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K), iron, zinc, iodine, copper, etc., which are toxic if accumulated in excess.
Similar effects despite different components
Certain components of food supplements, although different, can still have comparable effects. When they are taken at the same time, they will then add to each other and therefore potentially be at risk. This is the case, for example, of vitamin E, ginkgo and omega 3, all of which have anticoagulant properties. If food supplements containing these 3 ingredients are consumed, there is a risk of bleeding due to the addition of their respective effects.
Can you take several probiotic food supplements at the same time?
If you plan to take several probiotics at the same time, this is entirely possible. However, it is crucial to seek the advice of a medical professional to guide you towards the strains that best suit your goals. Indeed, be aware that not all probiotic food supplements are equal. They contain various strains of good bacteria , and each of these strains can have particular impacts on your microbiota, whether intestinal, vaginal, or otherwise.
So, when considering taking multiple probiotics at the same time, it is best to opt for strains that complement each other rather than taking the same strains from different brands. Additionally, if you've never taken a probiotic course before, it might be a good idea to start gradually. We recommend starting with one or two products containing different strains and carefully observing how your body reacts. Indeed, although probiotics are beneficial microorganisms naturally present in our intestines, their levels can decrease and their reintroduction can cause temporary unwanted effects, such as bloating, gas or mild diarrhea in some people during the first days of treatment. However, it is important to note that these reactions are temporary and usually disappear once your digestive system adapts to the change.
It is by being aware of the benefits of targeting both the intestinal and vaginal microbiota that we created the Feminine Balance Pack containing 3 strains of the Lactobacillus genus, and 10 billion CFU, for guaranteed effectiveness. This pack offers a combination of two products: Essential Probiotics , which aims to restore the population of beneficial bacteria in your intestines, and Vaginal Flora Probiotics , designed to strengthen the health of your vaginal microbiota. This synergy promises you renewed intestinal well-being!
