Research
Micronutrients & recovery
High-dose iron supplementation in aqueous solution reduces zinc absorption and status, particularly in infants and pregnant women, whereas solid-food fortification shows no such interaction.
If you are taking high-dose iron supplements, be aware they might lower your zinc levels, especially if you are pregnant or an infant. However, if you get your iron from fortified foods, this interaction is less likely to occur. Consider getting minerals from food sources when possible to avoid these competitive absorption issues.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Single meal studies have demonstrated that when given as an aqueous solution, a situation similar to intake of supplemental iron, the absorption of zinc was reduced by iron in a dose-dependent way... However, when iron was added to solid foods or infant formula, no effect on zinc absorption in adults was observed.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple single-meal and population studies, though long-term data is mixed.
Source
Micronutrient interactions: effects on absorption and bioavailability
Brittmarie Sandström · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2001
narrative_reviewCited 356×
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