Why Is Iron Supplements Not Taken With Vitamin C?
Solubility
Do iron supplements with vitamin C offer any clinical benefit?
Taking iron supplements with vitamin C offers no clinical benefit in terms of iron absorption, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2020. This finding was supported by a 2019 article published in Geriatric, which showed that combining iron supplements with vitamin C can be effective in improving iron absorption in elderly people.
What role does vitamin C play in metabolism?
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin, antioxidant and co-factor for various metabolic processes. As stated by StatPearls on NCBI Bookshelf, it is responsible for collagen biosynthesis, carnitine and catecholamine metabolism, and dietary iron absorption. Humans are unable to synthesize it and must obtain it from their diets.
Can taking iron supplements cause side effects?
Iron supplements are generally safe to take, with few side effects, when taken in the appropriate dosage. As indicated by Medical News Today, people taking iron supplements may experience some symptoms including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. Iron supplements can cause damage to the liver in cases of overdose.
Absorption
Are oral iron supplements sufficient to improve hemoglobin recovery and iron absorption in patients with iron deficiency anemia?
Oral iron supplements alone are as effective as oral iron supplements combined with vitamin C in improving hemoglobin recovery and iron absorption among patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). As reported by a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published in 2020, on-demand vitamin C supplementation is not necessary for patients with IDA. This finding adds to existing research showing that dietary sources of vitamin C can be sufficient for treating IDA.
What can improve non-heme iron absorption?
Non-heme iron absorption can be improved by taking vitamin C and heme iron at the same meal, according to Harvard T.H. Chan's The Nutrition Source. The absorption of non-heme iron is inhibited by bran fiber and large amounts of calcium.
Does vitamin C help with iron absorption?
Taking a vitamin C supplement to increase the absorption of iron is not necessary for most people who get enough vitamin C from their diet. As indicated by livestrong, Iron's main role in the body is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide through the blood and Vitamin C is necessary for growth and repair in your body. Iron also plays a role in helping the body make red blood cells.
Interaction
Should iron and vitamin C be taken on an empty stomach?
It is recommended to take iron and vitamin C on an empty stomach for optimal results, as some foods such as eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may reduce its effectiveness. As stated by Drugs.com, iron and vitamin C may be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach. Taking iron supplements with citrus juice can help increase the absorption of iron into the body.
Can taking iron supplements cause side effects?
Taking iron supplements is generally safe, although some people may experience side effects such as nausea, constipation or diarrhea. According to Medical News Today, taking the appropriate dosage of iron is unlikely to cause any side effects. Iron supplements can be used to treat iron deficiency, which is common in pregnant women, infants, and people with certain medical conditions. Iron helps to transport oxygen around the body, which is vital for energy levels and overall health.
When should iron and antacid supplements be taken?
It is best to take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at least one to two hours apart, according to Mayo Clinic. This ensures that you receive the full benefit of each product. Taking iron supplements without a prescription should be avoided if you are receiving iron through other means.
Digestibility
Is vitamin C necessary when taking oral iron supplements for IDA?
The study found that oral iron supplements alone are equivalent to oral iron supplements plus vitamin C in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This single-center study conducted at an unspecified institution in 2020 concluded that vitamin C is not essential for patients with IDA when using oral iron supplements. Iron supplements are known to help the body produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
How can dietary changes improve iron absorption?
Increasing the intake of ascorbic acid and meat/fish, as well as decreasing the intake of phytates and tannins can result in higher bioavailability of dietary iron, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health in 1989. Vitamin C can also help with the absorption of iron from plant foods.
Vitamin C has been shown to enhance iron absorption from food, making it easier for the body to absorb the nutrient. Via a study conducted by Harvard Medical School in 2020, consuming foods rich in vitamin C can increase iron absorption. Vitamin C helps capture non-heme iron and stores it in a form that the body can absorb more easily.
Reactivity
Do iron supplements and vitamin C work together to improve iron absorption?
Taking iron supplements with vitamin C does not provide any additional benefit in terms of iron absorption, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health in 2020. A 2019 article published in Geriatric Nursing found that combining iron supplements with vitamin C may improve iron absorption.
Should iron and vitamin C be taken on an empty stomach?
Iron and vitamin C should be taken on an empty stomach for best results, and it can be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach. An info from Drugs.com, some foods like eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may reduce the effectiveness of iron and vitamin C. taking iron and vitamin C with food can help reduce any upset stomachs.
Taking Vitamin C and Iron together is very effective for overall health, as it helps the body absorb iron much better than if taken alone, according to EVOKE ( 2021 ). Research has shown that Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for many important physiological processes in the body.
Dosage
Should iron supplements be taken with milk or calcium supplements?
Iron supplements, such as Ferrous Sulfate, should be taken in two or more doses a day with Vitamin C for better absorption. As reported by Cleveland Clinic, iron supplements should not be taken with milk, caffeine, antacids or calcium supplements (2020). If taken properly, iron supplements can help combat anemia.
Is taking iron supplement with or without vitamin C equally effective for treating IDA?
The study concluded that there is no significant difference between the efficacy and safety of oral iron supplements with or without vitamin C for patients with iron deficiency anemia. As indicated by the study conducted by Y. Zhang et al., published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2020, taking iron supplement with or without vitamin C is equally effective for treating IDA. It is important to check with a doctor before starting any new supplement.
Should iron and vitamin C be taken on an empty stomach?
Iron and vitamin C should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal effect, although it can be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach. Via Drugs.com, foods such as eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may reduce the effectiveness of iron and vitamin C. dietary iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Duration
Is vitamin C necessary for iron supplementation in patients with iron deficiency anemia?
This single-center study concluded that there is no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of oral iron supplements alone or iron supplements plus vitamin C for iron supplementation in patients with iron deficiency anemia. The research, conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health in 2020, suggests that vitamin C may not be necessary for iron supplementation for patients with IDA. It is worth noting that further studies may be necessary to determine whether vitamin C has any protective effects against adverse events related to iron supplementation.
Can I take iron supplements to prevent iron deficiency?
People should not take iron supplements or vitamin C supplements to prevent iron deficiency, as the daily upper limits for iron are already set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As indicated by the NIH, these upper limits include all sources of iron, such as food, beverages, and supplements. Doctors may prescribe higher doses of iron for short periods of time to treat iron deficiency.
What can help improve symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron tablets and a stool softener, combined with a vitamin C supplement or orange juice to improve absorption. An info from Mayo Clinic, taking iron tablets with vitamin C can help improve symptoms of anemia. Iron supplements may cause constipation and can turn stools black, which is a harmless side effect.
Side Effects
Does taking iron supplements with vitamin C provide any benefits?
Taking vitamin C with iron supplements does not provide any clinical benefit in terms of iron absorption, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2020 by researchers from the University of South Australia. A 2019 article published in Geriatric Nursing found that combining iron supplements with vitamin C may be beneficial for elderly people.
Can iron supplements be taken with tea?
Iron supplements should not be taken with tea, coffee, milk, chocolate, cola or wine as they reduce the absorption of iron into the body, according to Queensland Health in 2020. Vitamin C in fruit juice can help increase iron absorption, but is not essential. Water should be used instead. Other medications should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.
Should green tea be taken with copper supplements?
Green tea prevents the absorption of iron and should not be taken with copper supplements due to Vitamin C interference, as stated by Times of India (2020). Vitamin D should be taken with a meal containing fat in order to optimize its absorption.
Toxicity
Why is vitamin C important?
Vitamin C is important for increasing the absorption of iron, especially for pregnant women, and is best obtained from food sources. According to MyHEALTH (2016), taking vitamin C supplements should be done with caution, as it can be toxic in high doses. Vitamin C may help protect against some cancers, heart disease, and vision loss.
Can iron supplements be dangerous?
Iron supplements can be dangerous if taken in large amounts, as they can cause inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers, decreased zinc absorption, organ failure, coma, convulsions and even death. As indicated by the National Institutes of Health, in 2020, extremely high doses of iron (in the hundreds or thousands of mg) should be avoided. It is important to note that iron supplements should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
When should iron supplements be taken?
Taking iron supplements is beneficial for improving health and preventing anemia, but should be done carefully as it can cause side effects. As mentioned in WebMD (2021), it is recommended to take the supplements one hour before a meal or two hours after, and to avoid consuming food or beverages high in calcium when taking them as they can limit iron absorption. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli can help improve iron absorption.
Indications
Does taking vitamin C with iron offer any benefits?
Combining iron supplements with vitamin C does not offer any clinical benefit in terms of iron absorption, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2019. Other research has found that taking vitamin C with iron may benefit elderly patients.
When should iron and vitamin C be taken?
Iron and vitamin C should be taken on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness, however it can be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach. Sourced from Drugs.com, some foods like eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may reduce the effectiveness of iron and vitamin C. It is important to talk to a doctor if taking iron and vitamin C causes an upset stomach. Taking iron and vitamin C supplements can help the body absorb more iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cell production.
What are the potential benefits of taking ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate can be beneficial for those with iron deficiencies, as it can help the body absorb more iron when taken with vitamin C-rich juice or food. As reported by Healthline, ferrous sulfate may have other benefits, uses, and side effects that should be taken into consideration before use. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any supplements.
Source:
- Verywellhealth : You, Vitamin C, Your Iron.
- Nih : The Efficacy, Safety, Vitamin C, Iron Supplementation, - PubMed.
- Drugs : Iron, Vitamin C, Side Effects.
- Nih : The role, vitamin C, iron absorption, PubMed.
- Evoke : Vitamin C, Iron.
