Avoid taking this vitamin with coffee or tea: Here's why
Common mistakes when taking iron (photo: Freepik)
Even the best iron supplements can prove useless if common mistakes are made in their use. Some products and habits can nullify the benefits of supplements and slow down the absorption of iron by the body, the gastroenterologist Saurabh Sethi explains on his TikTok page.
Mistakes when taking iron
Taking it daily
Studies show that taking iron every other day improves absorption and reduces gastrointestinal side effects.
Taking it with coffee or tea
According to the doctor, iron supplements should categorically not be taken with coffee, tea, or dairy products. They can interfere with absorption, reducing the effectiveness of iron-containing supplements.
"Instead, take it on an empty stomach with orange juice, as vitamin C maximizes iron absorption," added Sethi.
Iron requirements per day
The necessary amount of iron is:
- 8.7 mg per day for men aged 19 and over;
- 14.8 mg per day for women aged 19 to 49;
- 8.7 mg per day for women aged 50 and over.
Women who start menstruating after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49.
Moreover, women who lose a lot of blood during menstruation (heavy periods) have an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia and may need to take iron-containing supplements.
What happens if you take too much iron
Side effects from taking high doses (over 20 mg) of iron include:
- Constipation;
- Feeling unwell;
- Stomach pain.
Very high doses of iron can be fatal, especially if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of reach of children.
Read also about five vitamins and supplements you shouldn't take with high blood pressure.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
