Anyone taking vitamin supplements should head this doctor's warning
Many of us take vitamin supplements, especially through the winter months when we're not getting much sunlight in the UK.
But a doctor has issued a health warning to anyone taking vitamin D tablets, and explained that you should always take a second tablet alongside it.
Dr Jo Ward told her 37k TikTok followers to "be careful" when taking the supplements. The doctor said: "If you take Vitamin D, St. John's Wort, zinc or magnesium, here's a few things you need to be aware of."
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She said that 60 per cent of Brits take Vitamin D due to the inability to "make it ourselves" between the months of September and May due to lack of sunlight.
But the doctor said taking vitamin D without also taking vitamin K2 could be dangerous, reported Surrey Live.
"That's a not a good idea," she exclaimed. "Vitamin D should always be taken with vitamin K2 - the reason why is if you take D on its own it can cause calcification of the arteries. Vitamin K2 prevents that so it's a really good idea to find a formula with K2 and D together."
The doctor then talked about St. John's Wort, a herbal remedy that can interact negatively with other medications. "Sometimes it renders the contraceptive pill ineffective, which can lead to an unwanted pregnancy," she explained.
Dr Ward continued: "It can effect anticoagulant (blood thinners) so people who are on these need to be aware of this - as well as other cardiac medications including digoxin. Check with your doctor if you are worried about reactions."
The doctor also warned against taking zinc, magnesium and calcium all-in-one supplements.
She said: "These are not the best when taken together. They should be taken separately - especially when they're high doses. That's because they compete for the same absorption.
"Make sure you take zinc with food, always, and magnesium is often better taken at night. You just need to know what you're doing is safe for them to be beneficial."
And other health experts seem to agree with the doctor's advice.
Healthline states: "Vitamin D ensures that your blood levels of calcium are high enough to meet your body’s demands. However, vitamin D does not fully control where the calcium in your body ends up. That’s where vitamin K steps in.
Vitamin K regulates calcium in your body in at least two ways:
Promotes calcification of bone: Vitamin K activates osteocalcin, a protein that promotes the accumulation of calcium in your bones and teeth
Reduces calcification of soft tissues: Vitamin K activates matrix GLA protein, which prevents calcium from accumulating in soft tissues, such as the kidneys and blood vessels
Blood vessel calcification is implicated in the development of chronic diseases, such as heart and kidney disease."
While it's important for us in the UK to take vitamin D over winter, following this doctor's advice could further protect your health.
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