Does Active Iron interact with any medicines or food?

All iron preparations can interact with certain types of food and medicines.

Medicines: Iron may reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, thyroid medicines, methyldopa, levodopa, and penicillamine.

The absorption of iron is decreased by antacids (indigestion remedies) and products containing zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. Therefore, Active Iron should not be taken within one hour before or two hours after taking these products. If you are taking any medicines, it is best to check with a pharmacist to see if there are any interactions with iron.

Food: Tea, coffee, milk, eggs, wholegrain cereals, and dietary fibre can all reduce the absorption of iron. Therefore, Active Iron (and any iron supplement) should be taken 30 – 60 mins before food* or in-between meals* (*includes tea, coffee, milk).

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) enhances the absorption of iron and it is often recommended that iron supplements are taken with a glass of orange juice.