Can nutritional supplements be combined with more traditional medicines?
It is advisable to inform your doctor of the supplements you are taking, even if they are only vitamins. Just as certain foodstuffs can have an effect on some medicines (e.g. grapefruit juice on heart medicines), so it is also possible for vitamins, minerals and plants to have a similar effect. For most supplements, however, there is no problem. An exception to this rule is St.Johns wort. If you are using one of the medicines listed below and if you have been using St.Johns wort for some time, DO NOT STOP your use of the St.Johns wort before first consulting with your doctor. If you are using one of the medicines listed below and you want to start using St.Johns wort, please note that this is NOT RECOMMENDED. • Blood-thinning agents of the coumarine type. • Anti-depressants. • Medicines to combat HIV (all types) • Heart medicines: digoxine and related types. • Standard medicines for organ transplant patients or patients suffering from serious forms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, c
