How to Best Absorb Iron Supplements

Iron is very important for the production of hemoglobin in your blood and for supplying oxygen to red blood cells. It is also essential for a healthy immune system and for energy production.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Iron Supplements
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin C

1. Take iron and vitamin C together. The presence of vitamin C can increase iron's absorption by as much as 30 percent.
2. Avoid taking an antacid at the same time you take iron. Stomach acid is needed to properly absorb iron.
3. Take iron at the same time as copper, manganese and molybdenum. They are needed for complete iron absorption.
4. Avoid using excessive amounts of zinc and vitamin E, which can interfere with iron absorption.
5. Take vitamin A and B complex at the same time as iron. They are also needed for complete iron absorption.

Tips & Warnings

• Iron is found in many foods, including eggs, meat, poultry, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, sea vegetables and blackstrap molasses. Herbs that contain iron include catnip, chamomile, horsetail, fenugreek, rose hips and alfalfa.
• Absorption may be insufficient with certain diseases such as arthritis and cancer. Check with your doctor to see whether you need a higher supplement.