Video Transcript: 

Hello, everyone. Meaghan Esser here, Registered Holistic Nutritionist with ITL Health. We received a question about which vitamins should not be taken together.

There are discussions in the nutritional world about certain supplements or vitamins interfering with each other’s absorption. A common example is iron and calcium; when taken together, they compete for absorption, and your body will likely absorb the one you need most, leaving the other behind. Another example is copper and zinc, which also interfere with each other’s absorption.

Although there are various competing factors for absorption, iron and calcium, as well as copper and zinc, are two key pairs to be mindful of. Generally, you don't need to be overly concerned about this unless you're very deficient in one nutrient and need to raise those levels specifically. Instead of focusing on what competes for absorption, it's more important to look at nutrients that aid each other’s absorption.

For example, taking calcium alone, especially in high amounts, can lead to it being deposited in dangerous places like arteries, kidneys, joints, and even the brain. This can result in conditions like atherosclerosis, kidney stones, joint pain, and bone spurs. Calcium requires other nutrients, such as magnesium, K2, vitamin D, and boron, to help direct it into the bones and teeth where it’s needed.

We created BF to include all the necessary cofactors to ensure calcium is properly utilized by the body. Another important nutrient relationship is between magnesium and vitamin D. Vitamin D cannot be used by the body without adequate magnesium, and high levels of vitamin D can improve magnesium absorption.

If you're deficient in a specific nutrient, rather than avoiding certain combinations, focus on what nutrients can enhance absorption. This approach ensures you get the necessary nutrient levels. Remember, no food contains just one nutrient, so it’s not natural to isolate them. While magnesium is a bit of an exception due to its role in 80% of biochemical reactions in the body, most other nutrients should be considered in the context of their synergistic relationships.

If you’re interested in our products, check your local health food store or order from online retailers listed below. Our formula, which won Best Women's Supplement, is excellent for heart health, bones, and hormones—and men can benefit from it too. Thank you for listening!