How long after taking iron should you wait to drink coffee?

Taking coffee while on supplements is not something that everyone gives thought to. However, you should, as caffeine interacts poorly with several supplements. So, can you take iron supplements with coffee?

No, you should not take your iron pills while drinking coffee because caffeine inhibits the absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, if you are trying to boost your iron levels by taking foods rich in iron or iron supplements, you should take coffee for at least one hour or an hour before taking the pills or food. My mother is a medical doctor who graciously shares medical information with anyone who requires it. When my brother was suspected of having an iron deficiency, my mum was keen on him not taking iron pills alongside coffee. She even limited his intake of coffee as she noted caffeine interferes with iron absorption. I learned these healthy gems from her, and I have held on to them while taking supplements that can be inhibited by caffeine. Therefore, read on to learn more about how you can take iron supplements without cutting off coffee completely.

Table of Contents

How long after taking iron should you wait to drink coffee?

Most medical practitioners and providers advise you to wait for at least an hour to drink your coffee after taking your iron supplements. It is easy to be a coffee addict to the point of overlooking caffeine’s effects on our body aside from keeping us alert and giving us energy. Aside from too much caffeine causing anxiety and increased heart rates, it interferes with the absorption of key minerals in the body, like iron. Therefore, before taking iron pills while drinking coffee, talk with your doctor.

How long before taking iron supplements should you drink coffee?

Can you take iron pills with coffee, can you take iron pills before taking coffee?

After drinking your coffee, you should wait for at least an hour before you take your iron pills. As mentioned above, caffeine has compounds with a high affinity for iron, inhibiting its absorption in the body. If you are deficient in iron minerals in the body, you should avoid consuming coffee to get the benefits of iron pills. However, if you are healthy, chances are less that your body will be affected when you have coffee while on supplements. However, either way, you should always consult a professional doctor on any issues concerning your diet.

How does coffee affect the absorption of iron?

Caffeine has polyphenols, compounds that have a high affinity for non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is simply iron derived from plants, while heme iron is obtained from animal products. Therefore, if you consume caffeine and iron, the iron will get attached to the polyphenols, inhibiting iron absorption in your body.

Final thoughts

You should avoid taking your iron pills with coffee if you want to enjoy the benefits of the pills fully. This is because caffeine has compounds that can interfere with iron absorption in the body. This is so problematic most if you are deficient in iron.

FAQ Section

Can you take iron supplements and coffee at night?

No, even in the morning, you should avoid taking your iron supplements and coffee.

How much coffee can you have in a day when you’re taking iron supplements?

There is no definite amount of caffeine you should have while on iron pills; however, your quantities should remain low, and you should wait for at least an hour before and after taking your coffee to take your pills.