Can You Take Iron and Zinc Together?
Separate zinc when elemental iron is 25 mg or more.
The short answer
A high-dose iron supplement taken with zinc may reduce zinc absorption.
Why it happens
NIH notes that 25 mg or more of elemental iron taken with zinc can reduce zinc absorption and zinc levels in the body.
What to do
Check the elemental iron amount on the label. If it is 25 mg or more, take a separate zinc supplement at another time. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are treating an iron or zinc deficiency.
When this advice applies
This effect mainly concerns high-dose iron supplements taken at the same time, not the smaller amount of iron in ordinary fortified foods.
References
- Zinc — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2026
Updated July 31, 2026 · How to use this guidance