Listed are medications that interact negatively with calcium supplements Fitness and Health October 21, 2024, 10:30

It is important to know how calcium supplements interact with certain medications. This interaction may alter the effectiveness of the drug or affect calcium absorption.

Here are the five medications most likely to interact negatively with calcium supplements.

levothyroxine. It is often prescribed to treat thyroid diseases. Megan Huff, a registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition by Megan, notes that this medication can bind to calcium carbonate in an acidic environment, impairing its absorption into the bloodstream. As a result, the effectiveness of the drug may decrease. Taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach and taking calcium supplements several hours apart may help minimize this interaction.

antibiotics. Some antibiotics, especially those from the tetracycline and fluoroquinolone classes, can bind to calcium. This condition negatively affects the absorption of medications, says Michelle Rauch, registered dietitian nutritionist at The Actors Fund.

Omeprazole. It is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When calcium supplements are taken together with omeprazole, the solubility and absorption of calcium is impaired due to the decrease in stomach acid. If you are taking omeprazole and calcium supplements at the same time, choose calcium citrate. It is less dependent on stomach acid for absorption.

Thiazide diuretics. They are mainly needed to treat hypertension and edema. They can also lead to increased calcium levels in the bloodstream.

iron supplements. Calcium supplements inhibit iron absorption and reduce its effectiveness. Their interactions can be reduced by taking supplements at different times of the day.

News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.