Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Vitamin C may intensify the actions and side effects associated with aspirin due to its effects on the absorption and metabolism of salicylic acid, the active compound in aspirin. High doses of vitamin C can enhance the acidification of urine, which may lead to increased excretion of certain drugs, including aspirin. This altered metabolism can potentially amplify the effects of aspirin, making its therapeutic actions and side effects more pronounced.

In addition, vitamin C may affect the gastrointestinal tract, where aspirin can cause irritation. This interaction could increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, making the combination of high-dose vitamin C and aspirin particularly noteworthy.

Other supplements like calcium, iron, and magnesium do not have the same significant interactions with aspirin that would lead to an intensification of its effects or side effects. Calcium and magnesium are more concerned with their interactions regarding absorption of certain medications rather than enhancing aspirin's action, while iron supplements have separate considerations primarily related to gastrointestinal tolerance and absorption pathways. Therefore, while they might interact with aspirin in various minor ways, none of them create the same degree of potential intensification seen with vitamin C.