How long after taking iron supplements can I eat waxberry?

Jun 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Generally, you can eat waxberries 1 to 2 hours after taking iron supplements. If you have taken an extended-release iron supplement, the medication is absorbed more slowly in the body. To avoid interference between the tannic acid in waxberries and the iron supplement, which may affect absorption, a longer waiting period is required. In such cases, it is recommended to wait approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before eating waxberries, allowing sufficient time for the iron supplement to be absorbed.

Generally speaking, after taking iron supplements, you can eat waxberries (Chinese bayberries) after about 1 to 2 hours. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If you have taken a sustained-release iron formulation, as the drug is released more slowly in the body, it is recommended to wait longer before eating waxberries to avoid the interaction between tannic acid in waxberries and iron, which may affect absorption. In this case, a longer interval is advised, and eating waxberries after 2 hours ensures sufficient absorption time for the iron supplement.

If you have taken a regular (immediate-release) iron formulation, the drug is absorbed more quickly in the gastrointestinal tract, and the impact of waxberries on iron absorption is relatively smaller. In such cases, a shorter interval is acceptable, and consuming waxberries approximately 1 hour after taking the supplement can both reduce potential interactions and satisfy dietary needs.

During iron supplementation, in addition to observing the interval time with waxberries, you should also avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, and other similar beverages simultaneously, as they may interfere with iron absorption. It is advisable to consume more foods rich in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.