Can I take Iron and Vitamin c together?

Perché succede

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) changes the chemical form of iron in the stomach to a version that is more easily dissolved and absorbed by the gut lining. It also helps prevent iron from binding to other substances in your food that might block its absorption.

It is generally recommended to take iron with a source of Vitamin C (like a glass of orange juice) to help it work better. However, if you find this causes stomach upset, you can take them separately or with a small amount of food. If you have a condition that causes iron overload (like haemochromatosis), speak to your doctor before combining them.

Iron overdose in children

Keep iron supplements strictly out of reach of children. Even a small accidental overdose can be fatal for a child.

Tetracycline or Quinolone antibiotic use

Do not take iron at the same time as antibiotics. Iron stops these medicines from working; space them at least 2 hours apart.

Tea, Coffee, and Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine and compounds called tannins found in tea and coffee significantly reduce the amount of iron your body can absorb. Avoid these drinks for at least one hour before and two hours after taking your iron supplement.

Dairy products (Milk, Cheese, Yoghurt)

Calcium in dairy products prevents iron from being absorbed properly. Do not take your iron supplement at the same time as eating or drinking dairy. Leave a gap of at least two hours.

Eggs and Whole-grain Cereals

These contain compounds (phytates and phosphates) that can bind to iron and stop it from being absorbed. It is best to take iron on an empty stomach, but if it upsets your stomach, avoid taking it with these specific foods.

Vitamin C (Orange juice, Citrus fruits)

This is a positive interaction. Taking iron with a glass of orange juice or foods high in Vitamin C actually helps your body absorb the iron more effectively.

Assumi più farmaci? Il nostro Controllo Interazioni Farmaci ti aiuta a verificare se le tue prescrizioni, i farmaci da banco e gli integratori sono sicuri da assumere insieme. Basta cercare i tuoi farmaci per vedere le potenziali interazioni e cosa fare al riguardo.

Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.