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Coffee and iron: how long to wait?
Short answer: Avoid coffee or tea with your iron and in the 1-2 hours after it: they lower how much iron you absorb (graded strong). Coffee at least 1 hour before iron seems fine, but that rests on one study (graded weak).
TakeItWhen grade: strong
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Common questions
Does tea affect iron too?
Yes, tea reduced iron absorption in studies, like coffee.
Can I drink coffee before taking iron?
One study suggests coffee 1 hour or more before an iron meal had little effect, in people with healthy iron levels.
Sources
- Morck 1983, Am J Clin Nutr
- Hallberg & Rossander 1982, Am J Clin Nutr
How we grade: strong consistent human trials, moderate some human trials, weak limited or indirect evidence, myth evidence says no. This is general information, not medical advice. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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