Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 7/29/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Connor, I was wondering if you can please help me determine if there are any interactions between the products that I am taking. Green tea extract, White tea extract, Brown seaweed, Acai, L-carnitine, CLA, Ginger, Gymnema, Apple pectin and chromium. Can all of these be taken together or are some best taken apart from others?
Thank you kindly.

Answer
Hello Lee,
Thanks for your question.  There are no well-known adverse interactions between these supplements, but there may be some additive effects (for instance, chromium & gymnema may both lower blood sugar).  And there are some interactions between some of these and medications, so it's a good idea to use a supplement/ drug interaction checker like drugs.com or drugdigest.com.  Adverse reactions also depend on the amount, brand, delivery method also, so take that into account.  There is always the possibility of personal reactions, so if you are adding all of these, it's a good idea to do so slowly & gauge your response before adding new supplements or drugs.  
As far as timing, most vitamins and many minerals should be taken with foods, but herbs may be taken with or without foods; when it's best will depend on what effect you are looking for.  When you are taking multiple supplements, it's usually a good idea to spread them throughout the day, as long as you don't forget them.  
In health,
Dr Conner