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Which supplements should be stopped before a blood test - and how long before?

A guide to the 20 most common supplements

Updated today

Here’s a list of the 20 most common supplements, with recommendations on when to stop them before doing a blood test:

  • Vitamin D: stop 5 to 7 days before.

  • Vitamin B12: stop 5 to 7 days before.

  • Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): stop 4 to 5 days before.

  • Iron: stop 24 hours before.

  • Zinc: stop 2 to 3 days before.

  • Magnesium: not required, but if you want a baseline level, stop 2 to 3 days before.

  • Calcium: stop 1 to 2 days before.

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): stop 5 to 7 days before.

  • Multivitamins: stop 5 to 7 days before.

  • Creatine: stop 3 to 5 days before.

  • Probiotics: no need to stop.

  • Vitamin C: stop 1 to 2 days before if it's being measured specifically.

  • Vitamin E: stop 3 to 5 days before.

  • Vitamin A: stop 5 to 7 days before.

  • Coenzyme Q10: stop 2 to 3 days before.

  • Curcumin: stop 2 to 3 days before.

  • Ashwagandha: stop 3 to 5 days before.

  • Melatonin: no need to stop, unless a hormone panel is being tested.

  • Collagen: no need to stop.

  • Selenium: stop 2 to 3 days before.

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