![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #137194](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/handful-pills-1024x576.jpg "Why stacking supplements without a blood test first can do more harm than good")
This post was originally published on this site.
Supplements are a daily wellness habit for many Americans — but experts warn more isn’t always better.
Some common nutritional supplements include zinc for immune function, ashwagandha for stress relief, fish oil for improvingheart healthand magnesium for better sleep, among others that have gained popularity on social media.
com/health" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">medical conditions.
AMERICANS ARE GIVING UP MULTIVITAMINS FOR A DIFFERENT DAILY HEALTH HABIT, STUDY FINDS
“I’ve never met a supplement I didn’t like under the right circumstances,” he said.“There’s some evidence around what it’s doing in the body.”
Supplements are a daily wellness habit for many Americans — but experts warn more isn’t always better.(iStock)
While supplementing certain nutrients can be beneficial, the health expert warned that overdoing it can be “problematic.”
“A lot of people take one of everything and thenstack peptideson top of it — and then they’re going and doing 18 different things,” he said.
It’s important to first assess what the body needs from an individualized approach, according to LaValle.
For example, low magnesium has been associated with the development ofmetabolic syndrome.In that case, he said, taking a magnesium supplement could help to balance out levels.
“We assume that if you eat healthy, you’re going to get those nutrients.But are the foods we’re selecting actually rich inthose nutrients?” he questioned.
The expert recommended taking supplements targeted to correct specific issues.(iStock)
LaValle recommendsusing supplementsto address specific needs, starting with a blood test to pinpoint any deficiencies, rather than blindly treating symptoms.
Low iron and ferritin are common among people complaining offatigue, LaValle said, yet some may instead turn to supplements like ashwagandha or rhodiola in an effort to boost their energy.
TAKING DAILY SUPPLEMENT MAY HELP PRESERVE MUSCLE AS YOU AGE — EVEN WITHOUT EXERCISE
“They’re buying some kind of stimulant adaptogen to try to get their energy up,” he said.“That’s pretty basic — you’re low in iron, and you never got a blood test.”
“A lot of people take one of everything and then stack peptides on top of it.”
LaValle noted that the number of biomarkers measured is less important than how well the results are interpreted.
After appropriate blood testing, the results can be used to identify “functional highs and lows” and help establish specifichealth goals, he said.
“If you’re somebody who has a goal to get out there and get after it and do a Hyrox or an LT Games or a Tough Mudder, there could be supplements that would help improve your performance [or] reduce your risk of injury,” LaValle said.
“It doesn’t mean you [have to] take them all the time.”
After an annual blood test, the results can be used to identify “functional highs and lows” and help establish specific health goals, the expert said.(iStock)
The expert reiterated that it’s easy to “overdo it,” particularly with the influence of onlinehealth and wellnessadvice.
“When people are getting barraged with marketing between social media and friends telling them, ‘I did this and it worked,’ they’ll lean in and go, ‘Hey, if two is good, four is better, and why not do 10?'”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
In one example, having low levels of certain nutrients, such as zinc, can disrupt key functions in the body, as zinc plays an important role in immune health, cell growth and metabolism.
But supplementing with too much zinc can causedigestive distressand even copper deficiency, which can lead to anemia and other neurological problems, according to the NIH.
onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.
“So having low zinc is not good, but you can overdo zinc,” LaValle said.“You can overdo vitamin A.You can overdo vitamin D easily, and that could be potentially toxic if you’re taking too much of it.”
People should talk with a doctor or pharmacist before starting or combining supplements, particularly if they takeprescription medicationsor have underlying health conditions.Blood testing may also be appropriate before supplementing certain nutrients, experts advise.
![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #118286](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/woman-drinking-smoothie-1024x576.jpg "Cancer doctor reveals 5 habits that may reduce disease risk and improve outcomes")
![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #118279](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/INT_3Dclip03_NOSOUND-1024x576.jpg "Cancer vaccine prevents deadly melanoma from returning or spreading in landmark trial")
![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #118572](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hilaria-goal-post-arms-1024x576.jpg "Hilaria Baldwin shares 5 simple stretches to do at work to prevent pain and stiffness")
![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #118822](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/serger-hardy-beach-1024x576.jpg "Navy veterans reunite after 30 years for 'grueling' cross-country bike challenge honoring 9/11")