A 30-year-old female asked:

Can i take a multivitamin, fish oil, vitamin c, glucosamine and garlic supplement all at the same after a big meal?

4 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ronald Krauser
A Verified Doctoranswered
Rheumatology 54 years experience
Yes: You can certainly take all of them without having any idea of how much money you are wasting. None of these have any benefit for a 30 year old and some recent evidence suggests some you are choosing to take can actually cause harm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Pamela Pappas
Psychiatry 44 years experience
It's important to carefully read the labels of any vitamins being considered, as some may contain problematic synthetic ingredients. It's also important to check studies for the specific vitamin products they used. Some of those showing increased cancer risk, etc, have used synthetic ingredients rather than natural ones.
Jan 1, 2014
Dr. Steven Charlap
Holistic Medicine 39 years experience
Why?: Why are you taking these pills? At your age, there is no need to suppleemnt with multivitamin unless you are preganant to plan to be soon. If you are taking a multi, which you shouldn't then you don't need extra vitamin c. Best to get your vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. For B12 and vitamin d, eat wild salmon and then no need for fish oil. Eat healthy meals and forget pills.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Su Fairchild
Integrative Medicine 26 years experience
Except that the soil is deficient in magnesium, and has been for over 50 years. Most people are magnesium deficient, including those on good diets. I do recommend my patients get nutrients from food, but find I have to recommend magnesium supplementation. More info: Http://drfairchild.blogspot.com/2012/12/magnesium.html
Jan 3, 2014
Dr. Su Fairchild
Integrative Medicine 26 years experience
Also, I have whole families on good diets who are B12 deficient, and who require not pills, but actually shots.
Jan 3, 2014
Dr. Randy Baker
Holistic Medicine 42 years experience
Yes: Yes, it's safe to take those together. Multivits. Are a bit tricky as some of the components (fat soluble vits a, d ; e) are better absorbed with fats while minerals are better absorbed on an empty stomach, but sometimes the b vits ; zinc cause stomach upset on an empty stomach- so generally best to take after a meal. Consider additional vit d if you don't get much sun. See http://bit.Ly/1dc7vna.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Steven Charlap
Holistic Medicine 39 years experience
As Dr. Baker knows, not all doctors agree with his conclusions. Best to avoid pills whenever possible and stick with food and sun.
Dec 31, 2013
Dr. Pamela Pappas
Psychiatry 44 years experience
And as Dr. Charlap should know, Dr. Baker and other physicians have a right to share different points of view.
Dec 31, 2013
Dr. Tariq Niazi
Dr. Tariq Niazi commented
Orthopedic Surgery 45 years experience
Best to eat Fresh, colored Fruits & Vegetables daily, providing you with Vitamins, minerals, good quality natural water as well. Go NATURAL.
Jan 1, 2014
Dr. Robert Grieco
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Best time : Best time to take those supplements is with food. If you notice it bothers you then split it up. Don't overdo the garlic. You may want to get close to someone and large amounts of garlic will come out in your pores and breath.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 25, 2017

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.