Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Pharmacist’s Guide to Choosing Supplements and Taking Them Safely
Dr Rajeev Sharma shares advice about using supplements.
He says people should choose them for a clear reason and follow medical guidance.
Some supplements are best taken with food, while others may be absorbed better away from certain foods or medicines.
Calcium, iron, magnesium, omega-3 and protein supplements can each have different timing considerations.
The guide also says to check that a product lists its ingredients and doses.
Buyers should look for manufacturer, batch and expiry details.
It recommends purchasing from authorized or trusted pharmacies.
Taking more supplements is not the goal; taking the right one in the right way is.
Dr Rajeev Sharma says supplement use in India has shifted toward mainstream wellness, with demand for vitamins, minerals, protein and omega-3 products.
The guide recommends taking calcium with food and separating it from iron, certain antibiotics and thyroid medicines.
It suggests taking omega-3 with a meal containing healthy fats, and iron away from tea, coffee, milk, calcium and antacids.
Magnesium may be taken after dinner or before bed, while protein supplements may help people whose diets do not meet their needs.
Sharma advises checking licensing, manufacturer details, ingredient doses, batch and expiry information, and buying from authorized or trusted sellers.
- Who
- Dr Rajeev Sharma, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Tata 1mg, authored the guidance.
- What
- The article offers advice on supplement timing, use and quality checks.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To help readers choose supplements carefully and use them appropriately.
- Author
- Dr Rajeev Sharma
- Role
- Vice President, Medical Affairs, Tata 1mg
- Supplements discussed
- Calcium with vitamins D3 and K2, omega-3 fish oil, iron, magnesium and protein
- Product checks
- FSSAI license, manufacturer or importer details, ingredient and dose information, batch number, manufacture date and expiry date
- Purchase advice
- Buy from authorized pharmacies or trusted online pharmacies
- Core guidance
- Use supplements appropriately, at the right time and dosage, with reliable medical guidance