Which vitamins can’t be taken together?

Vitamins are basically split into two categories: water-soluble vitamins that dissolve in water, which include vitamins B and C, and fat-soluble vitamins that dissolve in fat, which comprise vitamins A, D, E and K. They’re all indispensable for your good health and must be a regular part of your dietary intake. In the event of deficiency, it’s common to opt for a supplement, food supplements for example or intravenous vitamin administration. However, it’s vital to stick to a reasonable intake to prevent any risk of overdosing, to find out about contraindications with certain diseases and treatments, and to avoid certain combinations that are likely to be counter-productive or even harmful for your body. So, it’s better to seek advice from a healthcare professional before opting for a vitamin supplement. Here, at YuBoost, a short medical consultation takes place before any IV therapy so we can discuss your medical history with you and offer you the most appropriate treatment. A team of qualified nurses, specialized in vitamin injections, then gives you the infusion you’ve chosen in your own home, in your workplace or in your hotel room, to provide you with the most comfortable and reassuring environment possible.

Vitamin C et retinol

The combination of vitamin C, i.e. ascorbic acid, and retinol, which is one of the active ingredients of vitamin A and recognized for its antiaging properties, should be avoided in particular in skincare products and treatments. Vitamin C is a ‘must-have’ for good dermatological health as it plays an active role in collagen formation, has proven effects on slowing down the aging process, helps keep the skin firm and elastic, and reduces dark circles and redness. Retinol, on the other hand, tends to irritate and weaken the skin. So, it’s better to space out its intake during the day to avoid any interference with your vitamin C intake.

Vitamins A, D, E and K

Likewise, it’s advisable to avoid taking vitamin K along with a second fat-soluble vitamin, whether it’s vitamin A, D or E. If you wish to take two of these vitamins, you should space out your intake by a few hours and never combine them at the same time. It’s also not recommended to take a combination of vitamin A and vitamin D as this is likely to cause burning sensations and allergic reactions. 

Vitamin and mineral combinations 

You must always take great care when you take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Once again, some combinations are not recommended: this is the case for example for vitamins A and E with iron, and vitamin K with calcium. This also concerns vitamin C and cooper, as ascorbic acid tends to reduce the amount of copper the body absorbs. You should also avoid taking zinc at the same time as copper as it prevents it from being assimilated by the digestive system. On the other hand, some combinations of vitamins and minerals have a synergistic effect and can be used without any worry: vitamin E and selenium, vitamin B and magnesium, as well as vitamin D and calcium.

Vitamin and medication combinations

Last, but not least, it is contraindicated to take vitamins with some types of medication. Vitamin K should not be combined with an anticoagulant treatment, as it promotes blood clotting; taking it together would, as such, be counter-productive. Vitamins C and E respectively act on stimulating and reducing clotting and should also be avoided when anticoagulant medication is taken.