A doctor has issued a health warning to anyone using Vitamin D supplements, revealing you should avoid taking it without a second particular vitamin alongside it. Dr Jo Ward took to TikTok to caution her audience to “be careful” and provided further guidance.
“If you take Vitamin D, St. John’s Wort, zinc or magnesium, here’s a few things you need to be aware of,” the doctor began the informative clip. She pointed out that presently, 60% of UK residents turn to Vitamin D supplements from September to May due to the lack of natural production under the British sun’s UV Index.
But it’s the combination of vitamins that Dr Ward stressed is vital. “That’s a not a good idea,” she said emphatically about solo consumption of Vitamin D. Instead, she advised: “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 didn’t stop there; she also tackled the topic of St. John’s Wort, alerting users that the herbal remedy could lead to potentially serious medication interactions. “Sometimes it renders the contraceptive pill ineffective, which can lead to an unwanted pregnancy,” she warned.
Moreover, she flagged concerns for those on blood thinners and cardiac drugs like digoxin, concluding: “Check with your doctor if you are worried about reactions.”
The doctor emphasised the importance of taking supplements correctly by stating: “These are not the best when taken together,” and noting that “They should be taken separately – especially when they’re high doses. That’s because they compete for the same absorption.”
And closing her advice, she recommended: “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.”
Reacting with gratitude, a TikTok user shared: “The problem is, not all doctors understand about supplements. Many have told me supplements are pointless. I’m glad you do. Big thanks.”
Another praised the information, saying: “Really useful information about supplements, thanks! ” while another commenter added the caveat: “It all depends on your health condition.”
Meanwhile, reinforcing Dr Ward’s Vitamin D and K2 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.”