With that said, we get to the question: can you take vitamin D and iron together? Yes - there have been no reported issues with supplementing iron and vitamin D simultaneously. Research shows that iron is essential in several enzymatic systems, including those needed for vitamin D activation 7.
Vitamin D can also potentially affect circulating iron status by promoting erythropoiesis and by suppressing hepcidin expression [6]. Lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepcidin increases iron bioavailability for erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis by preventing iron sequestration in macrophages [7].
In order to insure optimal iron absorption it is suggested that you do not take iron supplements together with any vitamins or medications. This will also prevent the iron supplement from reducing the therapeutic effectiveness of your medication and /or vitamins.
Calcium in calcium supplements was suggested to reduce the absorption of non-heme iron and heme iron by blocking the transport of iron from the intestinal lumen into the mucosal epithelial cells. It is best to consume iron and calcium supplements at least 2 hours apart.
B vitamins also help your body turn the food you eat into energy. Iron and B-complex vitamins do not interact negatively with each other, so there are no concerns about taking the two supplements at the same time.
Do not take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these 2 products 1 to 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each medicine or dietary supplement.
If You Take Iron Supplements
But don't mix it with calcium or high-calcium foods -- these interfere with iron. You won't take in either one fully.
Vitamin C and D are commonly found together in multivitamins, alongside other supplements such as vitamin B, folate, biotin, and iron. These supplements can all be taken together, either as individual supplements or as part of a multivitamin.
According to a specialist, you should take iron early in the morning to have a good effect, because at this time the body has just undergone a long sleep and this period is when the calcium and iron levels in the body are at a low level. best. Therefore, every day taking iron in the morning is what experts recommend.
Absorption of iron from the gut is reduced by food, tea and milk, so these should be avoided for one hour before and after taking the iron supplement. Some medications also affect absorption of iron from the gut, particularly medications which reduce stomach acid (antacids) and certain antibiotics.
Steroids. Taking steroid mediations such as prednisone can reduce calcium absorption and impair your body's processing of vitamin D. Stimulant laxatives. Long-term use of high doses of stimulant laxatives can reduce vitamin D and calcium absorption.
Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: ½ glass or 4 ounces), about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, to lessen the possibility of stomach upset, iron may be taken with food or immediately after meals.
If your iron and vitamin D levels are low, you might be feeling fatigued and depressed. Iron, an essential part of the hemoglobin molecule, helps transport oxygen to your cells. It also plays a role in preventing anemia. The health of your bones, muscles and immune function rely on adequate vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D can be taken at any time of the day. However, many people prefer to take it in the morning to reduce the potential risk of sleep disturbances.
Taking the supplement before bedtime also ensures increased iron absorption, as your stomach will most likely empty before bedtime. Eating your meal at least two hours earlier before sleep would help increase iron absorption.
If you take iron supplements, waiting at least one hour before having your coffee is best. This is because coffee and other caffeinated drinks can reduce iron absorption in the body. Waiting for an hour can give your body enough time to absorb the iron properly.
Some signs that iron pills are working for iron deficiency anemia include increased energy, less weakness, and less shortness of breath or dizziness. However, since iron deficiency anemia does not always cause symptoms, people may not display any clear signs that iron pills are or are not working.
Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium, which acts as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys.
Inhibitors of iron absorption include phytate, which is a compound found in plant-based diets that demonstrate a dose-dependent effect on iron absorption. Polyphenols are found in black and herbal tea, coffee, wine, legumes, cereals, fruit, and vegetables and have been demonstrated to inhibit iron absorption.
The best way to maximize the effectiveness of an iron supplement is to take it with vitamin C-rich foods or juices because Vitamin C helps increase its absorption. You can also drink a glass of milk to help maximize your intake of supplemental iron.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
Take vitamin C with your source of iron.
Vitamin C increases absorption of both heme and non-heme iron absorption. Four ounces (1/2 cup) of orange juice is enough to increase iron absorption. Other sources of vitamin C include citrus fruit, fresh bell peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, and fresh broccoli.
Yes. In fact, it's probably best to take both together. Because so many people have low magnesium levels, vitamin D supplements on their own aren't very helpful for a large portion of the population.