Iron Interactions
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nteractions with Medications and Supplements
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause a detrimentl reaction with iron supplements:
- Allopurinol
Iron supplements are not recommended to be taken at the same time as the medication Allopurinol (used for conditions such as gout), as it may cause an excess amount of iron, more than is normal and healthy to be stored in the liver. - Antacids
People taking antacids should not take iron supplements at the same time, as the antacids will block the iron absorption and cause it to be poorly absorbed.
- Cholestyramine
People taking Cholestyramine should not take iron supplements at the same time, as the Cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol) will block the iron absorption and disable the effects of the iron. - Pancreatin
People taking Pancreatin should not take iron supplements at the same time, as the Pancreatin (used to improve the digestion of fatty foods) will decrease the iron absorption. - Penicillamine
People taking Penicillamine (used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis) should not take iron supplements, because the iron can decrease the effect of Penicillamine. - Sulfasalazine
People taking Sulfasalazine should not take iron supplements at the same time, as the Pancreatin (an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of inflammatory bowel and rheumatoid arthritis) will decrease the effect of the iron supplements. - Tetracyclines
People taking Tetracyclines (an antibiotic medication) should not take iron supplements at the same time, because the iron can decrease the effect of the Tetracyclines. It is recommended to take the iron 3 hours before or 2 hours after taking the Tetracycline medication, or start the iron supplement after completing the Tetracycline.
Iron has beneficial and detrimental interactions with a number of medications and other vitamin and mineral supplements
Beneficial Interactions with Iron
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause a beneficial (or neutral) reaction with iron supplements:
- Calcium
Calcium supplements, if taken at the same time as iron supplements, will decrease the absorption of the iron supplements unless vitamin C supplements are taken at the same time, to ensure the iron is properly absorbed. - Copper
Iron supplements help with the proper absorption of the copper supplements and should be taken together. - Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a good supplement to take at the same time as an iron supplement, as it helps the iron to be better absorbed. The vitamin C is vital for helping the iron make healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin. - Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements will decrease the absorption of any iron supplements, so always take the iron with some vitamin C too. - Zinc
High levels of zinc supplements will decrease the absorption of any iron supplements, so always take the iron with some vitamin C supplements at the same time too.