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Some things are better together! Combine vitamins for more health benefits

March 12, 2024
3 min read

Here’s why you might want to combine vitamins.

Some things are just better together, even vitamins. If you’re taking more than a daily multivitamin, have you ever wondered if you should combine vitamins together?

Phil Cowley shared how knowing what vitamins complement each other and what ones don’t can actually help you get the most benefit out of those daily supplements.

 

Vitamin A, D & K2

Vitamin A and D are two fat-soluble vitamins that play vital roles in supporting bone health, immune function, and vision. By taking these vitamins together, you enhance their absorption and promote stronger bones and a healthier immune system.
However, Phil said that while you’re taking vitamin D, you should also take vitamin K.
“If you have too much vitamin D and not enough vitamin K, it starts pushing all of the calcium. So if you’re going to take one, you should take the three, especially if you’re talking about bone health or your eyes,” Phil explained.

The B Vitamins

“Make sure you’re taking your B vitamins together because they all work together,” Phil said.

The B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, are involved in various biological processes, such as energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. Together, they support overall brain health, boost energy levels, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Each B vitamin has its own unique role in the body, but when combined, they have a synergistic effect on overall health.

Vitamins C & E

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in immune function, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting cells from damage.

“Vitamin C is really short lived, so in order to store it, we have E vitamins. The vitamin E sticks around longer, so when vitamin C drops, vitamin E is able to give it back to the ascorbic acid,” Phil explained.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that works together with vitamin C to enhance its antioxidant properties. It helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports cardiovascular health.

Magnesium & Zinc

Magnesium helps your body regulate its zinc levels, while zinc does the job of allowing the body to absorb magnesium more effectively.

“Magnesium needs zinc to get absorbed. We trade one zinc, we get a magnesium to come in. If we don’t have zinc we can’t trade it,” Phil explained.

But, you need both to really get full benefits from these vitamins.

“The zinc doesn’t work without the magnesium. We need those two together,” he said.

Magnesium & Calcium

Magnesium helps bones develop to remain dense and strong. Calcium, too, contributes to your bone health. Taking magnesium and calcium together can encourage your bones to function properly. It can also help to slow the natural decrease in bone density that occurs as we age.

“Zinc, magnesium, and calcium all play together in order to build a really good, strong bone,” Phil said.

Find more advice from Phil on Instagram, @philsmypharmacist.

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