Iron consumption tips

Iron absorption in the body is complex and depends very much on the dietary patterns and intake of the individual patient. Care in advising the patient about an iron rich diet and the co-factors involved is crucial to aid the uptake of iron effectively.

It is well known that vitamin C enhances the uptake of iron, vitamin A also helps to utilise iron more efficiently by minimising some of the inhibitory factors mentioned below. Common foods that inhibit iron absorption are polyphenols in tea and phytates in wholegrains.

Some drugs may inhibit iron absorption, and iron can, in turn, inhibit absorption of some drugs, there may also be a dual effect with some drugs. Here are a few examples, but do refer to standard compendia (eg. national formularies) for more detailed information.
 

Drugs that may inhibit iron absorption

• Magnesium salts

• Tetracyclines

• Trientine

• Zinc

• Calcium salts
   

Drugs whose absorption can be inhibited by iron

• Bisposphonates

• Ciproflaxacin

• Entacapone

• Levodopa

• Penicillamine

• Tetracyclines

• Zinc
   

To gain maximum absorption from iron supplements such as spatone they should ideally be taken not with foods, to avoid the complexities of inhibiting factors within the diet and other medications.

Avoid drinking tea/coffee or wine within one hour of taking Spatone. The tannin and coumarins in both these drinks can bind iron, making absorption difficult. Phenols in some soft drinks and red wine can have the same effect.

Leave an hour between taking Spatone and drinking milk. One glass of milk (about 165mg calcium) can reduce iron absorption by more than half.

Phytates in raw cereal can also inhibit iron absorption, so leave a one hour gap between cereal and taking Spatone.

Antacids, laxatives and NSAIDS can interfere with iron absorption. Taking Spatone one hour or more before or after taking these products can increase the amount of iron absorbed.

Vitamin C assists iron absorption of most foods, that’s why we recommend taking Spatone together with a glass of orange juice.