Can You Take Calcium Citrate and Iron Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Calcium (as Calcium Citrate) competes with iron for DMT1 transporter absorption. Co-administration may reduce iron uptake by 30-50%.

How to arrange timing

Consider separating this calcium form and iron by at least 2 hours for optimal absorption.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: NIH ODS Iron Fact Sheet; Hallberg L, Am J Clin 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.