Iron: When to Take It & How to Track It
Also called: Ferrous sulfate, Ferrous fumarate, Ferrous gluconate
By MagdaLast updated
What is Iron?
Iron is a mineral your body uses to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which causes tiredness and shortness of breath. Food sources include red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit and fortified cereals. Iron supplements are among the trickiest to time: they absorb best away from food, but they can upset the stomach, and several common foods, drinks and medicines get in the way. That makes a clear, fixed slot in your day, with a reminder, more useful for iron than for most supplements.
When to take Iron: general timing information
The NHS says ferrous sulfate works best on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after. If it upsets your stomach, you can take it with or after food. [1]
Tea, coffee, eggs and dairy can reduce iron absorption. The NHS suggests leaving a 2-hour gap between them and your dose. [1]
Calcium might interfere with iron absorption. The NIH suggests taking calcium and iron supplements at different times of the day. [2]
Iron can reduce how well levothyroxine and levodopa work, and acid-reducing medicines can lower iron absorption from food. Ask your pharmacist about spacing. [2]
Foods with vitamin C help your body absorb iron from plant sources, and a doctor may suggest taking iron with orange juice. [1]
Iron overdose is dangerous for children, so keep supplements out of their reach. [3]
How to set a Iron reminder in Pillzy
Tap + in Pillzy and add your iron tablet by name (for example, ferrous sulfate) with the dose your doctor prescribed.
Set Meal Timing to Before meal if you take it on an empty stomach, or After meal if your doctor said to take it with food.
Pick a time that is at least 2 hours away from your usual tea, coffee or dairy, and away from any calcium supplement.
If you take levothyroxine, add a note with the gap your pharmacist recommended between the two.
Use the notes on each dose to log stomach upset or constipation so you can show your doctor.
Check your Statistics to confirm you are taking it as prescribed before your next blood test.
Frequently asked questions
Why does iron make me feel sick?
The NIH lists upset stomach, nausea, constipation and stomach pain as common effects of iron supplements, especially when taken on an empty stomach. The NHS says you can take it with or after food if it upsets your stomach, but tell your doctor if side effects continue.
What should I do if I forget an iron dose?
The NHS advice for ferrous sulfate is to take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed one. Never take two doses to make up for a forgotten one.
Can I drink coffee with iron tablets?
Tea and coffee can reduce how much iron your body absorbs. The NHS suggests leaving a 2-hour gap between your iron dose and these drinks.