.png){kind=small}
MAY 2025
Welcome to our May Newsletter where we provide you with natural remedies for everyday health issues.
SELF HEALING THE NATURAL WAY
Supplement Interactions:
Are You Taking Vitamins the Wrong Way?
Many people believe that simply taking a daily multivitamin is enough to support good health. But what if we told you that the way you combine your supplements might actually be working against you?
Certain vitamins and minerals—when taken together—can cancel each other out, compete for absorption, or even cause imbalances that affect your health over time. While some nutrients work synergistically to enhance each other’s effects, others are antagonistic, meaning they interfere with one another.
At Lemus Natural Medicine, we emphasize precision and personalization. Knowing how nutrients interact is not just helpful—it’s essential to get the results you’re aiming for with supplementation.
Understanding Antagonistic vs. Synergistic Nutrients
Synergistic nutrients support and enhance each other's absorption or function.
Antagonistic nutrients, on the other hand, compete for absorption and can reduce each other's effectiveness—or worse, create deficiencies.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common and critical antagonistic nutrient interactions
MEDICINAL HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS
Key Supplement Conflicts to Be Aware Of
1. Folic Acid (B9) vs. Vitamin B6, B12, and Zinc
While folic acid supports DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, excessive amounts may cause problems:
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): High folic acid can mask B6 deficiency, potentially leading to nerve damage.
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): It can also hide B12 deficiency symptoms, delaying treatment and risking neurological damage.
• Zinc: Excess folic acid may block zinc absorption, weakening immune function.
2. Vitamin B12 vs. Folic Acid and Vitamin C
• Folic Acid (B9): These two work together, but too much B9 can mask or worsen a B12 deficiency.
• Vitamin C: Large doses can degrade B12 in the digestive tract, lowering its absorption.
3. Vitamin E vs. Vitamins D and K
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant but can interfere with:
• Vitamin D: Competes with D for absorption, affecting calcium metabolism.
• Vitamin K: High E intake can reduce blood clotting by counteracting Vitamin K.
4. Calcium vs. Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, and Others
Calcium is crucial for bones but may interfere with several other minerals:
• Magnesium: They compete for absorption.
• Iron: Calcium blocks iron absorption—take these separately.
• Phosphorus, Sodium, Manganese, Zinc: All can be affected when calcium intake is high.
5. Manganese vs. Calcium, Iron, and Lithium
Manganese supports bone and metabolic health but is sensitive to:
• Calcium & Iron: Both reduce its absorption.
• Lithium: Manganese may interfere with its metabolism, impacting mental health treatments.
Best Practices for Safe and Effective Supplement Use
1. Separate Water- and Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
Take B-complex and Vitamin C (water-soluble) at different times than A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble).
2. Space Out Mineral Supplements:
Don’t take calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc together. Stagger them across the day
3. Pair Nutrients that Help Each Other:
◦ Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption
◦ Vitamin C enhances iron absorption
◦ Magnesium supports Vitamin D activation
4. Prioritize Whole Food Sources:
Natural foods provide balanced nutrient profiles, reducing the risk of overdose or imbalances.
5. Get Professional Testing and Guidance:
At Lemus Natural Medicine, we don’t believe in guesswork. Through individualized biochemical testing, we assess:
• Specific nutrient deficiencies
• Heavy metal toxicities
• Early signs of organ dysfunction or cancer precursors
• Compatibility between nutrients and your current health state
With these insights, we tailor a personalized, strategic supplementation plan that works with your body, not against it.
Final Thoughts
Supplements can be powerful tools—but only when used with knowledge and strategy. Multivitamins may seem convenient, but they often combine nutrients that don’t belong together. That’s why timing, dosing, and compatibility matter.
Take the guesswork out of your wellness routine. Book a personalized lab evaluation at Lemus Natural Medicine today, and discover the right path to balanced, bioavailable nutrition.
DOCTOR'S CORNER
Dr. J. Michael Lemus
At Lemus Natural Medicine, Inc., we believe that true wellness begins with a personalized approach to health. As the Founder and Director, my mission is to guide you toward optimal well-being using natural and holistic solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, manage stress, improve digestion, or address chronic concerns, we’re here to help. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations, making it easy for you to get the support you need, no matter where you are.
Schedule your appointment today and let’s work together to create a plan that supports your healthiest, most vibrant self.