Warning as taking three popular supplements with this daily medication could be dangerous

A nutrition expert is cautioning people about the potential risks that come with taking certain dietary supplements, suggesting that they may cause more harm than benefit. Instead we should try to make sure we get all the essential vitamins and minerals we need through a healthy, balanced diet - although this is not always possible.

Specifically, she pointed out three widely-used supplements that could pose hazards when taken with warfarin, a common blood-thinning drug. Additionally, an overconsumption of some supplements can actually jeopardise health.

Therefore, it's vital to adhere to the daily recommended intakes for vitamins and minerals. The British Heart Foundation's dietitian, Victoria Taylor, shared her insights in a piece for the Heart Matters magazine of the charity.

Victoria stated: "Many different supplements are available in the shops and on the internet, some of which make claims about improving general health and specific conditions like heart disease. But these claims are not always true."

Emphasising the point further, she added: "Taking a supplement cannot undo the negative effects of an unhealthy diet. Research also shows that supplements do not help to stop or improve heart and circulatory diseases. In some cases, supplements can even be harmful."

She also warned against the misconception that supplements, due to their high concentration of vitamins and minerals, are superior to food. She explained: "You may think supplements are healthier than food because they contain high levels of vitamins and minerals. But more is not always better. Having too much of some vitamins and minerals can be bad for your health."

Victoria cautioned individuals about the potential dangers of mixing certain supplements with medications, particularly highlighting vitamin K, omega-3, and St John’s wort. She pointed out that these could have adverse reactions when taken with the drug warfarin, causing unwanted side effects.

"Some supplements can also affect the medicines you are taking, causing side effects," she explained. "For example, vitamin K, omega-3 and St John’s wort all interact with the blood-thinning drug warfarin."

The NHS has warned against using specific herbal remedies with warfarin. Its website said: "Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're taking warfarin. It can increase your risk of side effects."

The health service also advised consulting with a doctor before combining vitamin K with warfarin. It said: "Tell your doctor if you're taking vitamin K supplements before you start taking warfarin. Do not start taking vitamin K supplements while you are taking warfarin without checking with your doctor first."

Additionally, the NHS stated there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of other herbal remedies alongside warfarin. According to NICE, there is a particular concern regarding the bleeding risks posed by warfarin in conjunction with Omega-3-acid ethyl esters: "Warfarin causes bleeding, as can Omega-3-acid ethyl esters; concurrent use might increase the risk of developing this effect. " The manufacturer’s guidance cautions users to apply care or even avoid such combinations.

For those contemplating the addition of supplements to their regimen, Victoria advocated for a discussion with a GP prior to making any decisions, stressing the importance of professional guidance. She said: "Talk to your doctor before spending money on supplements. If you need them they will prescribe or recommend them."

The sole regular vitamin supplement we should all consider taking, according to her, is vitamin D. Victoria elaborated: "The exception to this is that it is recommended we all take 10 micrograms a day of vitamin D supplement in the autumn and winter, because vitamin D is mainly made in our bodies with the help of sunlight.

"Just a little comes from food. Apart from this, a healthy, varied, balanced diet provides all the energy, vitamins and minerals you need."