Why can't iron pills be taken with milk?

Question

I have just been prescribed iron tablets and i remember seeing a warning on the prescription paper saying " dont take this pill one hour before or two hours after consuming milk or milk product".......Does anyone know why, and is it really that serious? I drink milk all the time so in my case I'll never be able to take my iron....or else I'll have to STOP drinking milk. Just curiouse WHY the milk has anything to do with it.

Answer 1

The calcium in the milk interferes with the absorption of the iron in your system. You do not have to give up milk or milk products completely, depending on how many times you have to take the pills you can work out a schedule of when to take the pills and still have your milk. You could also try the soy milk, they are actually kinda good(lol) and I believe soy milk does not have the calcium in it that would inter fer with he absorption of the iron. You could also talk to your Dr. and see if there is a different brand or dosage or iron tablet that will work for you. My daughter takes Ferrexx and there was nothing on her label that said she could not have milk products with it. I hope this helps, good luck

Answer 2

The calcium in the milk may decrease your body's absorption of the iron.

Answer 3

I think it is bc milk absorbs the iron, so basically you would be taking your iron pill, and the milk would absorb. Therefore, the iron supplement would not be distributed throughout your body.

Answer 4

the iron and the vitamin d in milk combine and get expelled as waste