Can I Take Magnesium with Other Vitamins & Supplements?

If you’re thinking about adding magnesium to your supplement routine, you might be wondering how it fits alongside the vitamins and supplements you already take. Can you take magnesium with other vitamins? In many cases, yes. Magnesium can be taken with other nutrients and is included in multivitamins and combination supplements. However, there are a few combinations where taking them at different times may be recommended.

This guide explains which supplements can be taken with magnesium, when timing may make a difference and what to consider if you’re taking prescription medication.

Highlights

• Magnesium can usually be taken with other vitamins and supplements including vitamin D, calcium and B vitamins.
• If you take prescription medication or have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before starting a magnesium supplement.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in hundreds of processes throughout the body. It contributes to normal muscle function, normal psychological function and normal energy-yielding metabolism. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, electrolyte balance and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

Your body can’t produce magnesium on its own, so it needs to come from your diet or supplements. Foods including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and pulses all contain magnesium, while many people choose to top up their intake with a multivitamin or magnesium supplement.

What are the benefits of magnesium?

Magnesium contributes to many normal functions in the body, including normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. It also contributes to normal psychological function, the normal functioning of the nervous system and electrolyte balance.

Magnesium also contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

How much magnesium do you need per day?

The amount of magnesium you need depends on your age and life stage.

Source: Department of Health

These are the current UK recommendations. When taking a magnesium supplement, check the label to make sure you’re taking the recommended amount.

When should you take magnesium?

There’s no single best time to take magnesium, so choose a time that fits your routine. Some people prefer taking it with a meal, which can make it easier to remember each day.

Magnesium can usually be taken with or without food. If you’re taking other supplements or prescription medication, check whether you need to take them at a different time.

Taking magnesium with other vitamins & supplements

Can you take magnesium with other supplements? The answer depends on what else you’re taking. You can take magnesium with most supplements. Though always check with a Health Care Professional if you have any questions on how this may impact any prescription medication that you’re taking.

Magnesium and Iron

You can take magnesium and iron together, although magnesium may reduce iron absorption when taken at the same time in larger supplemental amounts. If you’re taking separate supplements, leave a gap between amounts if advised on the product label or by your doctor. You can read our taking iron with other vitamins to find out other supplements to take with Iron.

Magnesium and Vitamin D

Magnesium and vitamin D can be taken together as they both contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function. To find out more in detail, you can also read our can I take magnesium with Vitamin.

Magnesium and B vitamins

Magnesium and B vitamins are great pairing. Magnesium and vitamins B6 contribute to normal psychological function, while magnesium supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.  

Magnesium and Calcium

Magnesium can be taken alongside calcium, and both minerals contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. If you’re taking separate supplements, check the recommended amount for each, or speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.

Magnesium and Omega-3

There are no known interactions between magnesium and omega-3 that mean they need to be taken separately. Take each supplement according to its recommended serving.

Magnesium and Glucosamine

Magnesium and glucosamine can be taken alongside one another, with no known interactions between the two. Follow the recommended serving for each supplement.

Magnesium and Collagen

You can take magnesium and collagen together. There are no known interactions that mean they need to be taken separately. Read our what other supplements you can take with Collagen article to find out other options.

Magnesium and Ashwagandha

Magnesium and ashwagandha don’t need to be taken separately. If you’re taking medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking ashwagandha.

FAQs on magnesium

Is it OK to take magnesium every day?

Yes, magnesium can be taken every day. If you’re taking more than one supplement, check the total amount of magnesium you’re getting each day and avoid exceeding the recommended amount. If you’re unsure how much magnesium is right for you, speak to your doctor.

Who should not be taking magnesium?

Magnesium supplements may not be suitable for everyone. If you are unsure as to whether you should take a magnesium supplement , especially if you have a medical condition or taking prescription medication, then speak to your doctor to discuss this.

What medication cannot be taken with magnesium?

Magnesium might affect the absorption of some medicines. If you're taking any prescription medication, always speak to your health care professional before taking a magnesium supplement.

What supplements should not be taken with magnesium?

There are very few supplements that can’t be taken with magnesium. However, some minerals, such as iron, may be better absorbed when taken at a different time of day. If you’re taking more than one supplement, check the directions on the label or speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.

Can I take magnesium with a multivitamin?

Yes. Many multivitamins contain magnesium alongside other vitamins and minerals. If you’re taking a separate magnesium supplement as well as a multivitamin, check the labels so you know how much magnesium you’re getting each day and avoid exceeding the recommended serving. If unsure speak to a health care professional to make sure you are receiving the right balance of vitamins and minerals.