Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Iron Supplements?
Coffee and tea can reduce iron absorption, but it’s not because of caffeine. Whether it matters depends on when you drink them, your iron levels, and your overall diet
May 26, 2026
Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a clinical pharmacist and medical writer. She earned her PharmD at the University of Georgia and completed a postgraduate residency at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She then practiced in pediatric critical care, oncology, cardiac care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, and later worked in family medicine and addiction clinics at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. She then spent 4 years creating patient-friendly healthcare content a pharmacy editor at GoodRx. Outside of work, Amy enjoys yoga, cooking, and exploring nature with her husband and children.
Coffee and tea can reduce iron absorption, but it’s not because of caffeine. Whether it matters depends on when you drink them, your iron levels, and your overall diet
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