Can You Take Agar-Agar and Iron Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Agar-Agar is a soluble fiber derived from seaweed that forms a gel in the GI tract, which may physically adsorb iron and reduce its bioavailability when taken simultaneously.

How to arrange timing

Separate Agar-Agar and iron supplements by at least 2 hours for optimal absorption.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: NIH ODS; NatMed Pro Fiber Monograph; Torre M et al., Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1991

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.