Can I take Iron and Vitamin C together?

Varför detta händer

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.

Haemochromatosis (iron overload)

Do not take these supplements if you have haemochromatosis or other iron-storage disorders, as Vitamin C increases iron absorption and can lead to dangerous levels of iron in the body.

Kidney stones

Höga doser av vitamin C kan öka mängden oxalat i din urin, vilket avsevärt ökar risken för att utveckla njursten, särskilt om du har haft dem tidigare.

G6PD-brist

If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, high doses of vitamin C can cause your red blood cells to break down (haemolysis).

Alkohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when taking iron supplements. Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with how iron is stored and processed in the liver, potentially increasing the risk of iron toxicity or liver strain.

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.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.