How to Take Iron Supplements With Dairy

Iron is an essential component in red blood cells and assists in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Most people get plenty of iron through their diet without supplements, but some individuals are more likely to need extra iron. These include pregnant women as well as menstruating teens and women, people with certain digestive disorders and kidney dialysis patients. Some substances affect iron absorption, including calcium, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Things You'll Need

• Food labels

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid taking iron supplements along with dairy foods because dairy foods are high in calcium. Dairy foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream. Low-fat as well as high-fat dairy affects the absorption of iron.

• 2

  Eat dairy foods two or three hours before or after taking the iron supplement so the food does not interfere with iron absorption.

• 3

  Be aware that dairy products are included in many processed foods, and you may need to avoid eating these foods at the same time you take your iron supplement. Read labels to discover which products include milk, cheese, butter and yogurt. Dairy products are commonly included in sauces, soups, salad dressings, certain granola and snack bars and more.