Many people are accustomed to drinking a cup of coffee in the morning and shortly after taking supplements such as iron, calcium, or vitamin D preparations. However, taking these supplements with coffee can negatively affect their absorption by the body, meaning the person will not receive the expected benefits from them. It is important to understand the reasons for this reduced effectiveness and what time frame should be observed.
Let's first consider iron supplements. It is not recommended to take iron tablets with or immediately after coffee. Polyphenols contained in coffee can bind with iron and reduce its absorption in the body. According to a study in the medical journal The Lancet, consuming coffee during meals rich in iron can reduce iron absorption by approximately 35 percent.
It is also advisable to avoid taking calcium supplements after coffee. According to doctors, people taking calcium supplements need to monitor the timing of their coffee intake. Taking calcium immediately before or after coffee does not bring significant benefit to the body. Furthermore, coffee has a mild diuretic effect, which can promote more active urination. Some studies suggest that this may lead to some increased loss of calcium from the body.
Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium utilization and bone health maintenance. It has been established that there is a link between caffeine and Vitamin D, with people who consume more caffeine often having lower Vitamin D levels. Dr. Kuldip Kumar from the Department of Medicine at GTB Hospital in Delhi notes that many take Vitamin D supplements, but it is extremely important not to take them immediately after coffee.
Dr. Kuldip advises that instead of taking any prescribed supplement with coffee, it is better to take it at another time. A break of at least one and a half to two hours after consuming coffee should be made before taking any supplement. This approach ensures that the drug's absorption is not disrupted.