3 minIron and vitamin C are the perfect combination for your health! This combination can be particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to get enough iron from their diet. In this article, we will take a closer look at the questions surrounding taking iron with vitamin C, discuss the benefits of this duo, and discover when it can be especially useful. Read on to find out how this combination can support you!
In this article, you will read
- What role iron and vitamin C play in your body
- Why you should take iron together with vitamin C
- How vitamin C improves iron absorption
- The best time to take iron and vitamin C
- Whether you can take iron without vitamin C
- What other vitamins are useful with iron
- Recommendations for effective iron and vitamin C supplements
What do iron and vitamin C do in the body?
- Iron is an essential trace element that plays a central role in the body. It is responsible for the formation of haemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to the organs and tissues. Iron also helps to reduce fatigue and support the immune system.
- Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties and supports cell protection. It also contributes to collagen formation, which is crucial for healthy skin, cartilage and bones. In addition, vitamin C helps reduce oxidative stress and supports energy metabolism.
Why take iron with vitamin C?
It has been shown that taking vitamin C with iron is particularly effective. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of plant-based iron (non-haem iron), which is more difficult for the body to absorb than iron from animal sources. In combination with vitamin C, plant-based iron is more easily converted into a form that the body can better absorb (Lynch & Cook, 1980) (Hallberg, 1983).
Why is iron better absorbed with vitamin C?
Vitamin C helps iron to be more easily absorbed by your body. It changes iron from a form that is difficult to absorb (Fe³+) to a form that can be better used by your body (Fe²+).
This is especially useful for people who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, as they often consume less iron from meat. Taking iron with vitamin C regularly can therefore help you get enough iron.
When should you take iron and vitamin C?
It is best to take iron and vitamin C in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps your body to absorb the iron better, as it is not disrupted by other substances such as calcium or caffeine.
If you are sensitive to supplements, you can also take it after a light meal, for example with a juice that contains a lot of vitamin C.
Can you take iron without vitamin C?
Yes, you can also take iron without vitamin C. However, without vitamin C, the iron is absorbed less effectively, which is not ideal if you need a lot of iron. Vitamin C is therefore not strictly necessary, but it does help to absorb iron better, especially when it comes to iron from plant sources.
Which other vitamins should you take with iron?
In addition to vitamin C, there are other nutrients that help with the absorption and functioning of iron. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important for blood production and, together with iron, can ensure that your body has sufficient reserves.
Product recommendations for optimal supply
For simple and efficient intake of iron and vitamin C, we offer high-quality dietary supplements in various forms that are specially tailored to different needs:
- Iron capsules: high-dose iron in an easy-to-take capsule, enriched with vitamin C for optimal effect.
- Iron drops for children: easy to take, specially developed for children's needs.
- Vegan iron drops: for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet, with extra vitamin C for better absorption of plant-based iron.
Read this blog to find out how to choose the best iron supplement.
Conclusion
The combination of iron and vitamin C is a smart way to provide your body with these important nutrients. People with a higher iron requirement, such as women, vegetarians and athletes, benefit particularly from the improved absorption that vitamin C offers. If you want to improve your iron levels, choose a good supplement with vitamin C and make sure you take it correctly.
