Pharmacist reveals: Stop wasting money on these three useless supplements right now!
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As we age, we often become more conscious of our health and well-being, and it's not uncommon to seek out supplements to enhance our nutrition and potentially ward off illness. The supplement industry is booming, with many options lining the shelves, promising everything from improved mood to stronger bones. However, not all supplements are equal, and some may not be worth your hard-earned pension.
Dr. Ariana Medizade, a pharmacist and social media influencer, has recently shed light on this topic, aiming to guide consumers through the maze of available supplements. With a TikTok video that has garnered over 160,000 views, Dr Medizade shares her professional insight on which supplements she believes are not just unnecessary but could potentially be harmful or counterproductive.
First on her list is Vitamin D3. While it's a popular choice for those looking to boost their immune system, mood, and muscle function, Dr Medizade cautions against taking it in isolation. The reason? Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption, but without Vitamin K2, that calcium may not end up where it's needed, like in your bones. Instead, it could be deposited in your arteries, leading to calcification and other long-term health issues. It's a stark reminder that even the most seemingly benign supplements can have unintended consequences if not taken correctly.
Next, Dr Medizade warns against St John's Wort, particularly for those on other medications such as oral birth control pills. This herbal remedy, often used for mental health issues like anxiety and depression, can interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs. It acts as a CYP3A4 inducer, which means it speeds up the metabolism of certain medications, potentially reducing their concentration in your bloodstream to ineffective levels.
Lastly, the combination of zinc and magnesium is called into question. Many people take these minerals together, hoping to boost their metabolism and muscle function. However, Dr. Medizade points out that Zinc and Magnesium compete for absorption in the body. While acknowledging their individual benefits, she advises against taking them simultaneously. If you do take a combined supplement, it should be dose-optimized to ensure proper absorption, with a ratio of 1-10 or 1-15 of Zinc to Magnesium.
For our savvy seniors, this advice is particularly pertinent. With fixed incomes and the need for cost-effective health solutions, it's essential to invest in supplements that offer real benefits. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're already taking other medications.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we encourage our members to share their experiences and knowledge. Have you found certain supplements to be ineffective or problematic? Or do you have a success story where a particular supplement significantly impacted your life? Let's start a conversation in the comments below and help each other navigate the complex world of supplements with the wisdom that comes from experience.
Dr. Ariana Medizade, a pharmacist and social media influencer, has recently shed light on this topic, aiming to guide consumers through the maze of available supplements. With a TikTok video that has garnered over 160,000 views, Dr Medizade shares her professional insight on which supplements she believes are not just unnecessary but could potentially be harmful or counterproductive.
First on her list is Vitamin D3. While it's a popular choice for those looking to boost their immune system, mood, and muscle function, Dr Medizade cautions against taking it in isolation. The reason? Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption, but without Vitamin K2, that calcium may not end up where it's needed, like in your bones. Instead, it could be deposited in your arteries, leading to calcification and other long-term health issues. It's a stark reminder that even the most seemingly benign supplements can have unintended consequences if not taken correctly.
Pharmacist and influencer Dr Ariana Medizade warns against wasting money on these three supplements. Credit: Shutterstock
Next, Dr Medizade warns against St John's Wort, particularly for those on other medications such as oral birth control pills. This herbal remedy, often used for mental health issues like anxiety and depression, can interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs. It acts as a CYP3A4 inducer, which means it speeds up the metabolism of certain medications, potentially reducing their concentration in your bloodstream to ineffective levels.
Lastly, the combination of zinc and magnesium is called into question. Many people take these minerals together, hoping to boost their metabolism and muscle function. However, Dr. Medizade points out that Zinc and Magnesium compete for absorption in the body. While acknowledging their individual benefits, she advises against taking them simultaneously. If you do take a combined supplement, it should be dose-optimized to ensure proper absorption, with a ratio of 1-10 or 1-15 of Zinc to Magnesium.
For our savvy seniors, this advice is particularly pertinent. With fixed incomes and the need for cost-effective health solutions, it's essential to invest in supplements that offer real benefits. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're already taking other medications.
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