Can You Take Iron and Yerba Mate Extract Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Yerba mate contains polyphenols and tannins that strongly inhibit non-heme iron absorption, similar to tea and coffee.

How to arrange timing

Separate yerba mate and iron supplements by at least 2 hours. Drink yerba mate between meals.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Hurrell RF, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999

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.