Calcium and iron are "rivals" in the absorption process
Dr. Rommel Tickoo, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Healthcare (India), said: C calcium and iron should not be taken at the same time because they compete to be absorbed in the small intestine. When used together, these two substances can eliminate each other, reducing the effectiveness of both.
Therefore, taking both tablets at the same time, whether after meals or at any time of the day, does not bring the desired effect. Instead, you should separate the time to take these two drugs into a few hours.
How to drink it properly?
Users should divide the time to take calcium and iron into two different sessions per day. For example, you can take iron tablets early in the morning, after waking up, when the iron concentration in the body is lowest and the body absorbs them faster.
Meanwhile, calcium tablets should be taken at noon or early afternoon, when the body is active and exposed to sunlight, helping to increase the absorption of Vitamin D and minerals.
In particular, you should not drink calcium in the evening because at this time of poor absorption, it can cause calcium deposition, affecting the kidneys and joints.
Before or after meals?
Both iron and calcium are best absorbed on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is best to drink it about 30 minutes before meals or at least two hours after eating. Some foods contain oxalate and phytate, which can interfere with the absorption of iron and calcium, and should also be avoided during the course of taking supplements.
In addition, you should avoid taking dairy products (calcium juice) before taking iron tablets, and vice versa, limit eating foods rich in iron before taking calcium.
Who should take iron and calcium supplements?
Iron and calcium supplementation is recommended for some specific groups of people. Iron is an essential micronutrient for blood formation and immune enhancement, especially important for pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with iron deficiency anemia.
Calcium plays a major role in bone and tooth development and bone density maintenance. Vegetarians, lactose intolerants, people with digestive problems, pregnant women, breastfeeding or menopausal patients often need high calcium supplements.
In young children, supplementing both micronutrients plays a fundamental role in physical and intellectual development, but it is necessary to follow the correct dosage and timing as instructed by the doctor.
