27/01/2026
As a functional medicine practitioner, I see women taking handfuls of supplements, thinking more = better. But science shows nutrients interact in complex ways—one can block another's absorption, use, or increase excretion. The "throw more at it" approach often backfires.
Key insights from research on common midlife supplements:
Vitamin D: Over-supplementation is a top cause of toxicity (hypercalcemia). It needs cofactors like K2 (for calcium direction), magnesium (activation), and good bile flow. High doses (e.g., 10,000 IU) without them cause stress, not optimiSation.
PMID: 30294301
Calcium: Absorption maxes out at ~500 mg per dose; higher amounts are mostly wasted (and raise kidney stone/CV risks). In perimenopause, isolated calcium without D3/K2/magnesium risks soft-tissue deposits. Food-first is often better.
PMID: 17507729
Magnesium: Vital for 300+ reactions (hormone metabolism, stress, blood sugar). Forms matter: glycinate for sleep/anxiety, malate for energy/pain, citrate for constipation, threonate for brain fog. Supplemental upper limit: 350 mg/day (more MAY cause gut issues).
PMID: 26085547
Omega-3s: Limit combined EPA/DHA to ~5g/day; higher increases bleeding/stroke risk. Quality is keY, oxidiSed oils inflame more. For perimenopause: higher EPA aids mood, DHA helps brain fog.
PMID: 38742535
Interactions:
- Calcium blocks thyroid meds → separate by 4+ hours (PMID: 3092723)
- High-dose zinc depletes copper → impacts iron/energy (PMID: 3335323)
- B6 >100mg/day risks peripheral neuropathy (PMID: 37447150)
Vitamin C >2,000mg/day linked to kidney stones/GI issues (doesn't prevent colds). (PMID: 26463139)
To prevent this, test first (nutrient panels), and personalise based on genetics/gut/hormones/stress/meds. Fewer high quality supplements at the right doses beat "more is better."
What supplements are you taking?