Vitamins and minerals such as selenium and vitamin D play a myriad of roles throughout your body. For example, selenium may protect your cells from damage, and vitamin D helps the growth of your cells. If you do not have adequate dietary intake of these nutrients your doctor may recommend daily supplements to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs. Since these nutrients do not interact you can take these vitamins at the same time unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Selenium Interactions
Selenium supplements do not interact with vitamin D, but taking this nutrient with certain medications could result in side effects. Taking selenium with blood thinning medications could increase the effects of the drug and put you at a greater risk for bleeding. If you take chemotherapy medications your doctor may not recommend selenium supplements since selenium could interfere with the effectiveness of the drugs. As well, selenium may reduce the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Vitamin D Interactions
Vitamin D does not have known interactions with other nutrient supplements. However, if your doctor recommends mineral oil, this product could affect how well your body absorbs vitamin D. Certain medications could also interact with vitamin D by reducing absorption, production or blood serum levels, and these include antacids, high blood pressure medications and cholesterol medications. Weight loss aids such as the medication orlistat may have an impact on how your body absorbs vitamin D.
Toxicity
Although selenium and vitamin D supplements do not result in serious, known side effects, you could take too much of these nutrients and reach toxic levels. The average adult should have no more than 400 micrograms of selenium each day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Toxic selenium levels could result in upset stomach, hair loss, irritability and nerve damage. The upper level of intake of vitamin D for the average adult is 4000 International Units unless your doctor recommends a higher dose for therapeutic reasons. Too much vitamin D could result in vomiting after eating, weight loss and changes in heart rhythm.
Considerations
You should not begin using supplements such as selenium and vitamin D without first talking with your physician. She can help you determine the appropriate dose and the best way to intake these nutrients. If you prefer to use food for your nutrient intake, your doctor can help your formulate a diet plan that will help you consume the variety of vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health.
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