4 Nutrients You Shouldn’t Take Together (And the Best Times to Take Them)
Why Does Timing Matter for Nutrient Absorption?
Certain minerals share absorption pathways. Taking them together can reduce effectiveness. Spacing them correctly ensures you get the full benefit of your supplements.
Which Nutrients Shouldn’t Be Taken Together?
Iron vs. Calcium: Why Separate Them?
Iron and calcium compete for absorption. If you take both at the same time, your body may absorb less iron.
Best timing: Take iron 2–4 hours apart from calcium.
Tip: If you use Cal-Mag Liquid, schedule it for dinner and keep iron for morning or mid-day.
Calcium vs. Magnesium: Can They Interfere?
In high doses, calcium and magnesium can compete. Balanced formulas are fine, but if you take large standalone doses, space them out.
Best timing: Take Cal-Mag Liquid in the evening; standalone magnesium can go at bedtime.
Zinc vs. Copper: Why Timing Matters
High-dose zinc can reduce copper absorption over time. If you supplement both, separate them or use a balanced formula.
Best timing: Zinc in the morning, copper later in the day.
Iron vs. Zinc: Another Competition
Iron and zinc also compete for absorption when taken together in large doses.
Best timing: Alternate meals or separate by a few hours.
How to Build a Simple Daily Schedule
- Morning: Super Multi Liquid Vitamins with breakfast (avoid iron + calcium together).
- Midday: Iron supplement (if prescribed) + Mineral Blend Pouch for trace minerals.
- Dinner: Cal-Mag Liquid for bone and muscle support.
- Bedtime: Magnesium (if separate) or Vital Joint Support.
FAQs
Can I take my multivitamin with coffee? Yes, but avoid pairing iron with calcium-rich foods at the same time.
Do I need to split minerals all day? Only if you take large standalone doses. Balanced formulas simplify timing.
Can I take vitamin D with calcium? Yes—vitamin D helps calcium absorption.