What Vitamins Should Not Be Taken Together? | Guide

More and more people are turning to dietary supplements to increase their nutrient intake. And many don’t just take one supplement, but several at once. Sooner or later, almost everyone reaches the point where they ask themselves: What vitamins should not be taken together? We’ve read all the important studies and explain some key basics*.

Your bonus in this article: “What vitamins should not be taken together” chart. → Discover at a glance which combos are (not) suitable.

Before starting any new supplement regimen, always consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and proper guidance.

Your Knowledge To Go: What Vitamins Should Not Be Taken Together?

• Some supplements should not be combined but rather taken with some time apart.

• Especially the combinations of minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium can be tricky.

• You’ll often find first info on the package leaflet, and experts such as doctors or nutritionists can advise you if you’re unsure.

• Some combos, like vitamin C and iron, can actually be very useful!

• Our chart helps you to see what supplements should not be taken together.

Myth Check – What Vitamins Should Not Be Taken Together?

First, we’ll look at the most common questions about different combos. After that, you’ll find a table overview of the most common supplements, where you can easily see what supplements should not be taken together.

Combos with Zinc

Zinc seems to be the problem child among supplements. Very often you read “don’t take zinc with …”. Let’s take a closer look at the most important combos and give you an objective assessment of what works and what should rather be avoided.
What vitamins should not be taken together with zinc?

Can you take vitamin D and zinc together?
Our tip: Yes!

Can you take zinc and magnesium together?
Our tip: Yes and no!
Studies show that extremely high doses of zinc (much higher than normal supplements) can interfere with magnesium absorption. If you still prefer to take them separately, keep a gap of a few hours between zinc and magnesium. Normally, however, this is not necessary, and you can take magnesium and zinc together – no problem.

Can you take calcium and zinc together?
Our tip: No!
These two minerals use similar transport routes for absorption in the intestine. Taken together, they can compete with each other.

Can you take vitamin B and zinc together?
Our tip: Yes!
Many people prefer taking vitamin B in the morning and zinc in the evening, as it fits their daily rhythm better. But you can safely combine them.

Can you take zinc and selenium together?
Our tip for lower doses: Yes!
If you’re taking both in high doses, it may be better to space them out.

Combos with Vitamin D

Just like with zinc, there are many myths about vitamin D combinations. Let’s clear things up!
What vitamins should not be taken together with vitamin D?

Can you take vitamin D and C together?
Our tip: Yes!
Many people really like combining these two and take them at the same time. Small tip: Vitamin D is fat-soluble and should therefore be taken with a meal, while vitamin C is water-soluble and should be taken with plenty of fluids. You can take vitamin C and D together, for example at breakfast or lunch – but you don’t have to.

Can you take vitamin D3 and magnesium together?
Our tip: Yes!

Can you take vitamin D and iron together?
Our tip: Yes! You can take iron and vitamin D together.

Can you take calcium and vitamin D together?
Our tip: Yes!
Professional societies even say that taking them together can be practical. The idea that vitamin D and calcium should not be taken together is just a myth.

Combos with Iron

What vitamins should not be taken together with iron?

Can you take vitamin D and iron together?
Our tip: Yes! You can take iron and vitamin D together.

Can you take iron and zinc together?
Our tip: No!
Zinc and iron should not be taken together. It’s best to keep a gap of a few hours (around 2–4 hours). Since iron is usually taken on an empty stomach before breakfast and zinc is often taken before bedtime, this usually works out fine.

Can you take iron and magnesium together?
Our tip: No!
These two minerals should also be spaced out, as they compete for the same transport routes. Some forms of magnesium may be more compatible with iron – check individually for details.

Can you take vitamin C and iron together?
Our tip: Yes! These two supplements can absolutely be combined, as vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the gut. This is especially important for plant-based iron, as vitamin C significantly improves the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based sources.

Can you take iron and calcium together?
Our tip: That’s a clear no!

Combos with Magnesium

What not to take with magnesium?

Can you take calcium and magnesium together?
Our tip: Yes!

Can you take magnesium and vitamin D together?
Our tip: Yes!

Can you take omega 3 and magnesium together?
Our tip: Yes! That’s completely uncomplicated.

Can you take magnesium and vitamin C together?
Our tip: Yes! Many people like combining these two. If you want, you can take magnesium and vitamin C together.

Can I take iron and magnesium together?
Our tip: No!

Can you take magnesium and zinc together?
Studies show that extremely high doses of zinc (much higher than normal supplements) can interfere with magnesium absorption. Normally, however, you can take magnesium and zinc together – no problem.

Attentive readers may have already noticed: the main problem areas are minerals – mainly iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. So, the answer to “What vitamins should not be taken together?” is often at least partly a mineral. This can be a helpful guideline in everyday life. The four-way combo of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc is particularly tricky!

Which Vitamins Should Not Be Taken Together? | Chart

For better clarity, here’s a table of the most common combos.
What vitamins should not be taken together?

Yes = Taking together is possible
No = Not recommended to take together

*In the past, people thought a combo wasn’t good, but now we know it’s completely fine to take both together.
**At high amounts, a time gap should be kept; otherwise, it doesn’t matter.

Now you can see the answers to your most asked questions at a glance: Can you take vitamin D and magnesium together? Easy, yes. OR: Can you take vitamin D and B12 together? Also yes. It has never been easier to see, which supplements should not be taken together.

Which Vitamins Can Be Taken Together?

The question of what vitamins should not be taken together is now answered. Just as some supplements should not be combined, there are also combos that work well together – and are even offered combined by manufacturers.

How can supplements be combined correctly?

• Vitamin K and vitamin D
  Do you have to take vitamin D with K2? First of all, you don’t HAVE to. But the combo is very common, and you’ll often even find them as combination products.
  Tip: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) should be taken with food containing healthy fats for optimal absorption.

• Vitamin C and iron
  These two can definitely be taken together, as vitamin C boosts iron absorption in the gut. This is especially important for plant-based iron.
  Tip: Water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C and B complex) should be taken with water and can be taken on an empty stomach.

• Calcium and vitamin D
  Professional societies like the DGE say that combining these two can be practical. The idea that vitamin D and calcium shouldn’t be taken together is just a myth.

• Vitamin C and zinc
  These two can be combined practically.

In our chart you can also see all the combinations that work together well – it’s like a “What vitamins to take together”-chart.

Conclusion

Bottom line: Understanding what vitamins should not be taken together is essential for safe and effective supplementation. Supplements are intended to supplement the diet, not to replace it or treat diseases. Over-supplementing can be harmful, so always use them as directed.

Now you know what vitamins you should not take together. Of course, we can’t cover every single supplement or individual case here. To stay safe, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new vitamin or mineral regimen. Always seek medical advice and check the info on package leaflets.

Do you have questions about what vitamins should not be taken together? Feel free to send me an email – I look forward to hearing from you! :)

*Disclaimer: We are not doctors and therefore do not provide fixed intake recommendations in this article, only general information and tips.

Literature

1. BfR (2023). Hochdosierte Nahrungsergänzungsmittel mit Vitamin D können langfristig die Gesundheit beeinträchtigen. Auch ein Nutzen durch die Kombination derartiger Präparate mit Vitamin K ist nicht belegt. Stellungnahme. 

2. DGE (o.J.). Häufig gestellte Fragen zu ausgewählten Themenbereichen. https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/faq/