Can I take iron and vitamin C together?
Yes. NIH says vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, the form in plant foods such as beans and vegetables [1]. NHS advice for ferrous sulfate says a doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking it with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement [3]. People with hereditary hemochromatosis should ask a doctor first [1][2].
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What the sources say about iron and vitamin C
NIH says vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the bioavailability of nonheme iron, the form found in nuts, beans and vegetables [1]. Other dietary components have less effect on heme iron, the form in meat and seafood [1]. NIH puts iron bioavailability at about 14% to 18% from mixed diets that include meat, seafood and vitamin C, versus 5% to 12% from vegetarian diets, but adds that a typical western diet blunts the effects of absorption enhancers and inhibitors on most people's iron status [1]. The NHS says vitamin C is believed to increase the amount of iron absorbed by the body [3]. Because vitamin C enhances nonheme iron absorption, NIH notes a theoretical concern about excess iron absorption, which does not appear to be a concern in healthy people [2].
How to time them
No official source gives a set amount of vitamin C or a required timing for taking it with iron. NHS advice is that a doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement [3]. The NHS says ferrous sulfate works best on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating, but can be taken with or after food if it upsets your stomach [3]. NIH notes that taking iron supplements with food can help minimize stomach side effects [1]. The NHS says not to take ferrous sulfate with tea, coffee, eggs or dairy products, and to leave a 2-hour gap before having them [3]. The NIH vitamin C fact sheet does not name a best time of day to take vitamin C [2].
Who should ask a doctor or pharmacist first
Ask a doctor first if you have hereditary hemochromatosis: the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends avoiding iron and vitamin C supplements as part of treatment [1], and high doses of vitamin C could worsen iron overload [2]. Tell a doctor before taking iron tablets if you have another condition that affects iron levels, a type of anaemia not caused by low iron, sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia, or a stomach or bowel problem [4]. If you take levothyroxine, ask your pharmacist: some levothyroxine labels advise against taking it within 4 hours of iron supplements [1]. If you are having chemotherapy or radiation, NIH says to consult your oncologist before taking vitamin C [2].
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Questions people ask next
Yes, NHS advice says a doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement, because vitamin C is believed to increase iron absorption [3].
The NHS describes taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement, which means at the same time [3]. No source gives a different spacing.
NIH says dietary components have less effect on heme iron, the kind in meat and seafood, than on nonheme iron [1].
The NHS says not to take ferrous sulfate with tea or coffee and to leave a 2-hour gap before having them [3].
Sources
- Iron: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- How and when to take ferrous sulfate — NHS
- Who can and cannot take ferrous sulfate — NHS
Educational information, not medical advice, and not a recommendation for you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, combining or changing supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Supin sells a subscription, not supplements. Last reviewed .