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Iron Supplements Food Interactions

Brand names: Ferrous Sulfate, FeSO4, Slow Fe, Feosol

Iron Supplement

1
High Risk
☕ Coffee & Tea (Caffeinated and Herbal) ⚠️ High Risk

Tannins in coffee and tea bind to iron and block its absorption by up to 60-80%, significantly undermining iron replacement therapy.

How it works

Polyphenols and tannins in coffee/tea form insoluble complexes with dietary and supplemental iron, preventing absorption.

What to do: Take iron supplements on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after coffee or tea. Vitamin C (orange juice) taken with iron dramatically increases absorption.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Iron Fact Sheet
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Based on FDA drug labeling and NIH MedlinePlus. Consult your pharmacist or physician before changing your diet while on medication.