Can Iron Supplements and Vitamin B12 be Taken Simultaneously?

Many individuals wonder if they can take iron supplements and vitamin B12 at the same time. This confusion often arises from conflicting advice and warnings found on supplement containers. While some people may have concerns, the consensus among health professionals is that these two supplements can indeed be taken together without any significant issues.

Consulting Your Pharmacist

According to pharmacists, it is perfectly safe to take iron supplements and vitamin B12 simultaneously. One pharmacist mentioned that no interactions were found between a multivitamin containing iron and vitamin B12. This clear lack of any adverse reaction supports the safe consumption of these two nutrients together.

Advice from Personal Experience

One individual who takes Ferrasorb, which contains Vitamin C, B6, B12, folate, and iron, finds that this combination helps with the absorption of iron. This person mentions that they take Ferrasorb because of a bariatric surgery. The combination of these vitamins and minerals in one supplement might not only be beneficial for iron absorption but also for overall health.

Proper Absorption and Timing

While there is no problem taking iron and vitamin B12 together, it is recommended to avoid taking iron supplements with food or drink that contains calcium, such as dairy products, nuts, tea, or coffee with milk. These foods can inhibit the absorption of iron. Additionally, it is a good practice to take your supplements and prescription medications a few hours apart or at different times of the day to avoid potential interference.

A pharmacist pointed out that vitamin B12 is not a medicine but a vitamin, and it does not interact with iron in any way. Furthermore, it is suggested to take bioactive B12, such as methylcobalamin, in sublingual form for optimal absorption. This advice complements the previous points and provides another layer of safety and efficacy.

Historical Precedent and Trusted Sources

The use of a combined medication for pregnant women called Fefol, which contained both iron and B12, further validates the safety and effectiveness of these supplements taken together. This medication is still available according to the pharmacist, indicating its long-term approval and reliability.

Finally, pharmacists emphasize the importance of following their advice over warnings found on supplement containers. Many prescription medications interact poorly with certain iron supplements, which is why companies issuing warnings may be cautious. However, since vitamin B12 does not interact negatively with iron, there is no need to separate them.

Trust your pharmacist regarding the safe consumption of iron and vitamin B12. Beef liver, a rich source of both nutrients, is often cited as an example to illustrate that no separation is necessary. This natural combination highlights the natural coexistence and mutual benefit of iron and vitamin B12 in the human body.