You should wait at least 1 to 2 hours after taking an iron supplement before drinking coffee (or tea), as caffeine and tannins in these drinks significantly inhibit iron absorption, making it harder for your body to use the mineral. For best results, take iron on an empty stomach with Vitamin C (like orange juice) and separate it from coffee, dairy, and antacids by at least two hours.
If you take antacid medications, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, you will need to discuss this with your doctor, as these affect iron absorption. If you need to continue with antacid medication, it is best if these medications are taken at least 2 hours after your iron supplements.
Headaches and dizziness are less common side effects but can occur. These symptoms may result from the body's adjustment to increased iron levels or from dehydration, which can be exacerbated by gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea.
Iron starts entering your bloodstream within 30 minutes to 2 hours after you consume it, especially if taken on an empty stomach. That's why some people see their serum iron levels rise quickly after supplementation. However, this doesn't mean that iron is fully available for red blood cell production just yet.
Rashes associated with aplastic anemia usually appear as tiny red or purple dots under your skin (petechiae). The dots can form large patches but aren't usually itchy or painful. These skin changes can occur anywhere on your body.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea/vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, metallic taste, staining of the teeth, or epigastric distress. Patients may feel uncomfortable with the change in stool caliber and color to green or 'tarry black.
Iron pills typically start to work within 3 to 7 days. However, it can take some time to actually get your iron levels up. Hemoglobin blood levels generally go up after 2 to 4 weeks of consistent supplementation. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and headache should start to improve during this timeframe.
When taking iron supplements, avoid pairing them with calcium, dairy, antacids, caffeine (coffee, tea, cola), high-fiber foods, and certain medications like some antibiotics, thyroid drugs, or Parkinson's meds, as they significantly reduce iron absorption; instead, take iron with Vitamin C (like orange juice) for better absorption, spacing other items by at least 2 hours, advises MedlinePlus, GoodRx, and Cleveland Clinic.
Foods That Block Iron Absorption
Minerals can be problematic in large doses, too. Premenopausal women are advised in some cases to take iron supplements but continuing them after menopause unless they are needed may lead to an excess. Too much iron can cause symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and depression.
The type of headache a person experiences as a result of iron-deficiency anemia can vary. Some people will experience a dull aching sensation throughout their head. They may also feel lightheaded or dizzy. A migraine episode will feel different.
Common symptoms include:
The best way to take iron pills to treat iron deficiency anemia is on an empty stomach or with a source of vitamin C. If you take iron supplements with caffeine, milk or antacids, your body will absorb less elemental iron.
Unlike some nutrients that interfere with each other's absorption, vitamin D and iron don't compete for absorption in the body. That means you can take both at the same time without reducing their effectiveness or risking harmful interactions.
So, people who are taking medicine for acid reflux (heart burn) like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may have difficulty absorbing iron. If you are taking an antacid, your healthcare professional may recommend separating your iron from your antacid by at least 4 hours.
Both iron deficiency and iron overload might contribute to production of reactive oxygen species, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, and could have deleterious effect on mitochondrial function (22), which could result in blood pressure (BP) increase.
When to Take Supplements. It is better to take your iron supplement between meals and your prenatal vitamins with breakfast or before bed. If you experience nausea or abdominal discomfort from the iron supplement, take it before bed and take your prenatal vitamin in the morning with breakfast.
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may include:
The best way to be sure is by getting a blood test. Doctors can monitor iron supplementation to check if it is working. They can also help a person minimize any side effects and determine the underlying cause of the anemia.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not suck, chew or keep the tablet in your mouth as this can cause mouth ulcers or stain your teeth. Do not take it with tea, coffee, eggs or dairy products, as they can reduce the amount of iron that gets into your system.
For each 1-mg increase in iron intake, sleep duration increased by 0.55 min (p < 0.001). For each 1-mg increase in zinc intake, SE increased by 0.23% (p = 0.006).
Iron supplements don't seem to cause weight gain on their own. Anemia may reduce your appetite. So if you're taking iron to treat anemia, your appetite may improve, leading to an increase in your body weight. But other research suggests that treating iron deficiency anemia may in fact help with weight loss.