Coffee and Iron Pills
Coffee is a beloved staple in many people’s daily diets, while iron pills are a common supplement to take, to prevent or treat anemia. People often assume that since coffee is a non-toxic beverage, that it won’t interact with the drugs and dietary supplements they take. But that isn’t the case with iron pills, as coffee can interfere with their outcomes, making them more difficult to absorb and can even induce side effects.
Potential Side Effects
Iron pills, when taken, can cause a number of unpleasant side effects such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a person chooses to take an iron pill and drink coffee, these side effects can be exacerbated, leading to more intense symptoms, including dizziness and headaches. It’s important to know that these effects are not just associated with absorption issues, but also with potential interactions between ingredients.
Interaction with Iron Absorption
Caffeine, a compound in coffee, can interfere with a person’s ability to absorb iron, blocking it from entering their system. By drinking coffee when taking an iron pill, a person is essentially impeding their own iron absorption, even if they don’t feel any immediate side effects.
The Alternative: Decaffeinated Coffee
For people to get the health benefits of iron without the unpleasant side effects, there is the option of drinking decaffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, but the levels are greatly reduced, and it won’t interfere with the way iron is absorbed in the body.
Benefits of Iron
Iron is extremely important for health, as it helps produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients around the body. Iron is also important for creating energy, supporting the immune system, and optimal brain functioning. Taking iron pills can help to treat anemia and boost a person’s energy levels.
Bottom Line
It’s important to remember that coffee and iron pills don’t mix, and consuming both at the same time can lead to potential health risks. Ultimately, it’s best to drink decaffeinated coffee or other non-caffeinated beverages, when taking iron pills.
Coffee and Iron Pills During Pregnancy
It is especially important for pregnant women to avoid drinking coffee when taking an iron pill. Caffeine can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, and it can also increase the risk of stillbirth and low birth weight. As such, pregnant women should consult their doctor and stick to decaffeinated coffee when taking iron supplements.
Effects of Consumption Separately
Consuming coffee and iron pills separately can still affect the absorption of iron. It’s best to wait two hours before or after drinking your cup of coffee if you take an iron pill. Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as orange juice, bell peppers, and strawberries, can also help to increase an individual’s iron absorption.
Coffee as an Iron Source
It’s worth noting that while coffee can decrease iron absorption, it can also increase levels of iron in the body, as the coffee beans are packed full of the nutrient. Regular coffee drinkers will get 2-3 mg of iron per cup of coffee, which can be beneficial for some individuals who don’t get enough iron in their diets.
Suggestions from Experts
Nutritionists recommend that individuals should consider taking iron pills and consuming coffee separately, as the combination of the two can lead to health risks or side effects. Instead, they recommend individuals focus on getting iron from food sources such as green leafy vegetables and lean meats, as these are much more efficient at providing iron.
Tips for Maximising Iron Absorption
Although coffee can interfere with iron absorption, people should not be afraid to drink it. Instead, there are a few simple tips that can help to enhance iron absorption. Firstly, eating a healthy, iron-rich diet can be beneficial. Secondly, avoiding dairy, tea and calcium supplements near meals can improve iron absorption levels. And lastly, staying hydrated and practicing other healthy lifestyle behaviours, such as exercise, can support a person’s iron absorption.
