Comments on: How to Best Absorb Iron Supplements

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

on 6/11/2007 Take twice the recommended amount of iron supplement to avoid constipation.