Today’s question: Which vitamins and minerals should not be taken together?
In the world of nutrition, there's ongoing discussion about how certain supplements can interfere with each other’s absorption. A classic example? Iron and calcium. These two minerals compete for absorption in the digestive tract. If you take them together, your body will likely absorb the one it needs more, and leave the other behind. Copper and zinc are another pair with this competitive relationship.
That said, unless you're severely deficient in one nutrient and are targeting your intake for therapeutic reasons, you generally don’t need to stress about separating them. Instead of obsessing over what competes, a smarter long-term approach is to focus on nutrients that enhance each other’s absorption.
Let’s take calcium again. On its own—especially in large doses—calcium can be harmful. Without the right cofactors, it can build up in your arteries, kidneys, joints, or even the brain, leading to issues like atherosclerosis, kidney stones, joint pain, and bone spurs. Your body needs magnesium, vitamin K2, vitamin D, and boron to direct calcium into your bones and teeth—where it belongs.
That’s why we created MAG365 BF, our magnesium formula with the full spectrum of calcium-supporting cofactors. It’s one of the only magnesium supplements in Canada with this complete blend without added calcium.
Another important nutrient relationship is between magnesium and vitamin D. Your body can’t even use vitamin D without enough magnesium. On the flip side, vitamin D actually helps you absorb magnesium more effectively—win-win.
So instead of worrying about avoiding certain combinations, focus on smart nutrient synergy. This ensures you're getting the most benefit from your supplements and supporting overall health. Keep in mind: whole foods naturally contain multiple nutrients. It's not natural—or effective—to isolate them completely.
Magnesium is the exception here—it’s involved in hundreds of your body’s biochemical reactions, which is why we focus on it so heavily at ITL Health.
If you’d like to try our supplements, visit your local Canadian health food store or shop online at the links below. Our award-winning formula—voted Best Women's Supplement—is designed for bone health, heart health, and hormone balance. And yes, men can benefit from it too.