Can You Take Iron and Mixed Tocopherols Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Iron catalyzes lipid peroxidation which depletes mixed tocopherols (vitamin E forms including gamma, delta, alpha tocopherols). Iron's pro-oxidant activity antagonizes the antioxidant function of all tocopherol isomers.

How to arrange timing

Take iron and mixed tocopherol supplements at different times to reduce antagonistic oxidative interactions.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Minotti G, Aust SD. The role of iron in oxygen radical mediated lipid peroxidation. Chem Biol Interact. 1989;71(1):1-19

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.