Can You Take Iron and Sodium Bicarbonate Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Sodium bicarbonate raises gastric pH, which reduces the solubility of non-heme iron and significantly impairs its absorption. Iron requires an acidic stomach environment for optimal uptake.

How to arrange timing

Separate iron supplements from sodium bicarbonate by at least 2 hours. Take iron on an empty stomach with vitamin C for best absorption.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Cook JD et al. Effect of ascorbic acid intake on nonheme-iron absorption from a complete diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73(1):93-98

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.