iron absorption
3 interactions related to iron absorption
vitamin c + iron
Vitamin c enhances absorption of non-heme iron from supplements and plant foods, a beneficial nutrient synergy, though the real-world benefit across a full diet is usually modest.
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calcium + iron
Calcium can reduce the absorption of iron when the two are taken together, with the effect most pronounced for non-heme iron from supplements and plant foods.
calciumironabsorptionabsorption interactioniron absorptionsupplement timingcalcium supplementferrous sulfateprenatal vitamins
iron + zinc
High-dose iron and zinc supplements can compete for absorption in the small intestine when taken together, especially in solution on an empty stomach, potentially reducing the effectiveness of one or both minerals. The competition is minimal when the minerals are taken with food or hours apart, or at ordinary dietary amounts.
ironzincabsorptionabsorption interactioniron absorptionzinc absorptionsupplement timingferrous sulfateprenatal vitaminsZMA supplements