If you take daily supplements, this is something you should not ignore. Many people pop iron and calcium tablets together without a second thought, assuming both will boost their health. However, an AIIMS doctor has now warned that this common habit could be doing more harm than good. A recent video shared online explains why combining these two supplements may stop your body from absorbing iron properly.
The video has caught the attention of social media users, especially those dealing with iron deficiency or anaemia. It highlights a mistake that many unknowingly make every day while taking their medicines.
Why Iron Tablets With Calcium Can Be a Problem
In a recent Instagram video, AIIMS doctor Priyanka Sherawat explained that iron and calcium tablets should never be taken together. The reason is simple but serious. Calcium blocks the absorption of iron in the body.
According to her explanation, if someone takes an iron tablet containing 100 milligrams of elemental iron along with a calcium tablet, nearly 70 to 80 percent of that iron may not get absorbed into the bloodstream. This means the supplement you are taking for your health may not work at all.
Instead of helping with low haemoglobin levels, the iron passes through the body without being used. This is especially risky for people who are already iron-deficient, pregnant women, or those advised to take iron supplements by doctors.
She also advised that iron supplements work best when taken with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps improve iron absorption and allows the mineral to enter the bloodstream more effectively. Simple options include taking iron with a vitamin C tablet, lemonade, orange juice, or foods naturally rich in vitamin C.
What Research And Health Experts Say
This advice is not new to medical science. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), calcium is known to interfere with both haem and non-haem iron absorption. The World Health Organisation has also stated that iron supplements should ideally be taken separately from calcium-rich foods or supplements.
Health experts recommend maintaining a gap of at least two to three hours between iron and calcium intake. This gives your body enough time to absorb iron without interference.
For example, you can take iron supplements in the morning with citrus juice and calcium later in the day, preferably after meals. This simple change can make a big difference in improving iron levels naturally.
Supplements are helpful only when taken correctly. Taking iron tablets with calcium may seem harmless, but it can quietly reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
If you are unsure about your supplement routine, it is always best to consult a doctor. Small changes in timing and food combinations can greatly improve results and protect your health in the long run.
Being informed is the first step to better health, and now you know how to take your iron supplements the right way.
