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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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[bmth]

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[dlc593]

on 4/14/2007 MEN DO NOT take iron unless you are told to buy a doctor. You get enough with out needing to supplement it. Women can take iron during their periods, because they lose iron in their blood. Other than that ask a doctor before you start taking Iron. You can complicate a lot of things in your body if you have to much Iron.

on 8/7/2006 Heme iron (from animal sources such as lean red meats) are more easily absorbed and can aid in non-heme absorption.

Ferrous iron supplements are absorbed better and tolerated better than ferric iron supplements. In order of best absorption among ferrous forms: ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, ferrous glucomate.

Phytates (bran and legumes) inhibit absorption. This can be counteracted by Vitamin A. (Bran and legumes are good for you though, so do not eliminate from diet). Tannins (green and black tea, wine, pomegranates, coffee) also inhibit absorption. It is advisable to stay away from these 1-2 hours before and after taking a supplement.

on 11/22/2005 take your iron supplment two hours before and two hours after having eaten any dairy and/or clacium for better absorbtion