What should not be taken with iron supplements

Generally, iron supplements are common medications used to treat conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia. When taking iron supplements, it is important to avoid consuming them with milk, mushrooms, fried chicken, persimmons, or tea. If discomfort occurs, seeking timely medical advice is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Milk

Milk is rich in calcium. Iron and calcium compete with each other during absorption in the small intestine. Taking milk together with iron supplements may inhibit iron absorption, thus affecting the efficacy of iron supplementation.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are foods high in phosphorus. Phosphorus can combine with iron to form insoluble compounds, thus affecting the absorption of iron supplements.

3. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a high-fat food. Fat stays in the stomach for a longer time, which may delay gastric emptying, thereby reducing the contact time between the iron supplement and gastric acid, affecting iron absorption.

4. Persimmons

Persimmons contain large amounts of tannic acid. Tannic acid has an astringent effect and can combine with iron ions to form insoluble iron precipitates, hindering gastrointestinal absorption of iron and reducing its bioavailability.

5. Tea

Tea contains polyphenolic substances such as tea polyphenols, which can undergo a chelation reaction with iron ions, forming insoluble complexes, thus reducing the rate of iron absorption.

When taking iron supplements, it is recommended to take them with plain water, avoiding beverages containing ions such as calcium and phosphorus, to promote iron absorption.