Foods and beverages provide the necessary nutrients to support physical and mental activity for growing children and adults. However, the body gradually loses its ability to break down foods and beverages to extract and absorb nutrients effectively with advancing age. Even some underlying health complications can trigger nutritional deficiencies, forcing one to take supplements extracted from natural foods and beverages. Here are five crucial mistakes to avoid while taking supplements:

Taking too many supplements
The body can absorb and process only a finite amount of nutrients daily. So, taking more can trigger unnecessary complications without any of the inherent benefits of supplementing. More is not always healthy, especially regarding supplements made from synthetic extracts. Also, not all vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be taken at once since mixing supplements has multiple side effects, even the most basic ones for boosting immunity and overall metabolism.

Combining the wrong supplements together
Never take calcium and iron supplements together, as calcium lowers the body’s ability to absorb iron effectively. The same applies to magnesium and calcium, which should never be taken together. It’s alright to take them apart at long intervals. Vitamin C is great for boosting immunity, and vitamin B12 helps boost energy and cognitive function and improve mood. However, taking both vitamins at the same time forces vitamin C to lower the amount of vitamin B12 absorbed by the body. Taking excess vitamin C with iron also increases the risk of iron toxicity in the body, so double-check these nutrient combinations as well.

Buying the wrong kind of supplements
Not all products available on the market are okay for consumption, especially when it comes to taking supplements. One of the bigger mistakes here is buying without verifying the contents or source of these nutrients. Never buy supplements from vendors or online sources that are selling them for cheap. Avoid buying synthetic kinds, as the body will be forced to work twice as hard to digest these nutrients. Also, avoid the kinds that come with artificial sweeteners and refined sugars added to improve the taste of these supplements.

Taking supplements only to support recovery
Some supplements aid the body’s immune system during recovery, while others should be taken regularly to keep essential functions in check. For example, some supplements boost the metabolism, improve digestion, or enhance the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Consult with a certified nutritionist to understand if any underlying deficiencies must be addressed by taking supplements daily. Follow the directions of a qualified doctor and take supplements only as advised. Avoid self-diagnosis and treatment based on information shared by friends or family members.

Taking supplements with prescriptions
Always check with the doctor to understand what supplements are safe to take with existing prescriptions to treat underlying chronic health complications. Supplements and prescriptions can trigger an adverse reaction without properly considering compounds. Always double-check with your healthcare provider before adding or removing supplements.