Can B-Complex (All B Vitamins) and Fish Oil be taken at the same time?
Find out if B-complex and fish oil can be taken at the same time, or if they are best taken separately.
B-complex with fish oil
Short answer: Useful in the same plan
While not found to provide additional benefits when taken at the exact same time, research has shown that B-complex pairs well with fish oil.
Also taken with Fish Oil or Krill Oil, for heart health
Similar to the reasons stated under Omega 3, people often keep Krill Oil or Fish Oil alongside B-complex to address heart health.
Also taken with B vitamins
Omega-3 fatty acids also combine well with B vitamins in a variety of ways. For example, researchers have found that when B vitamins were abundant prior to taking fish oil, and then fish oil was taken, participants had improved cognitive performance and increased blood flow to the brain.
Several other studies have concluded that both omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins need to be present in generous amounts for optimal brain health.
One such study involving inositol, also known as vitamin B8, was found to reduce manic, depressive, and overall psychiatric symptoms to a much greater degree when combined with omega-3 fatty acids than when either treatment was taken by itself alone.
It was also found that a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid (vitamin B9) and other B vitamins was associated with lower blood levels of homocysteine than taking omega-3 supplementation alone. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is a driver of cardiovascular diseases when found in elevated concentrations in the blood.
Timing is everything
Many supplements are dependent on being taken at the right time, or with the right meal, for proper absorption. For example, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D should be taken together with a high-fat meal. Stimulating supplements, such as rhodiola or ginseng, should avoid being taken too late in the day.
The perfect match
Some supplements are known to complement each other when taken together, either because one helps the other to be absorbed, or because their effects compliment each other. Well known combos include vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and magnesium, or quercetin and bromelain, but there are many others.
Incompatibilities
Likewise, some supplements can compete for absorption or react negatively if taken together. For example, calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, so they are best taken several hours apart, and fiber-heavy supplements such as psyllium husk should be taken by themselves, separate from all other supplements.
Potential additions
The Vitamin Plan will automatically detect if there is a recurring theme in the supplements that you are taking, and suggest a focused addition or two for that theme. For example, if your plan seems to be mostly centered around joint health, it may suggest adding glucosamine or collagen if you didn’t add them yet.
Remember
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle always come first, and supplements are meant to be just that: supplementary. While every effort has been made to ensure that the data on this page is accurate, said accuracy can never be guaranteed. The information provided is not medical advice, it is not intended to cover all possible interactions or adverse effects, and neither is it a substitute for the expertise of professional healthcare practitioners. You are always encouraged to do your own research, and to consult with your trusted doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements.
