It’s best to take iron supplements with orange juice due to its high vitamin C content, aiding the body in absorbing iron more effectively, the Pharmacists’ Association in the German state of Hesse suggests.
On the other hand, the association advised against taking iron supplements with fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, milk, or mineral water, as these beverages hinder the body’s ability to absorb iron.
For the same reason, it’s best to avoid taking iron supplements during meals.
Ideally, iron supplements should be taken approximately an hour to half an hour before a meal or two hours after.
Who Needs Iron Supplements?
On the flip side, the association explained that iron supplements are recommended when the body is facing a severe iron deficiency that cannot be addressed through iron-rich foods such as red meat, green vegetables, and legumes.
The indicative symptoms of iron deficiency include persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, cracked corners of the mouth, and a burning sensation on the tongue.
The association pointed out that those most susceptible to iron deficiency, which can be confirmed through a blood test, are generally women, pregnant individuals, athletes, and specifically, kidney dialysis patients.
