Patient's question:
The other day, I had a blood test for trace elements, and my zinc and calcium levels were a bit low. The doctor prescribed me supplements for zinc and calcium. I heard from a colleague that these two shouldn't be taken together, so how should I take this medicine? The kind of assistance I need: Check trace elements, low zinc and calcium, can these two be supplemented together?Doctor's answer:
According to reports, calcium and zinc both require the same transport carriers to move from intestinal mucosal cells to the bloodstream. This is like two small groups needing to load a ship to reach the harbor. Since the ship's space is limited, they must compete, and only the first one to win can successfully board. Calcium, being more "powerful" and highly active, always manages to snatch the carriers first, which significantly inhibits zinc's absorption. Therefore, experts recommend that calcium and zinc should be taken at least 30 minutes apart during digestion, so that the body can properly absorb both nutrients.