Supplements That Don’t Mix Well with Coffee
Reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN
Drinking coffee alongside certain supplements may reduce nutrient absorption, meaning you might not reap their full benefits. Thankfully, you can still enjoy your coffee by adjusting the timing of your supplement intake.
1. Iron
Coffee contains polyphenols that can decrease iron absorption significantly. Studies show that consuming coffee with iron-rich meals can reduce absorption by 35%, and when taken with iron supplements, it may drop by 54-66%.
2. Calcium
Caffeine in coffee can hinder calcium absorption. It acts as a diuretic, potentially leading to calcium loss through increased urination. For optimal calcium intake, consider spacing it out from your coffee consumption.
3. Vitamin D
Caffeine might interfere with vitamin D receptor activity, possibly diminishing the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements. Additionally, higher caffeine intake has been associated with lower vitamin D levels, though it’s not clear if coffee directly causes this.
4. B Vitamins
Drinking coffee can affect the absorption of B vitamins, resulting in decreased benefits from supplementation. Research indicates that coffee can lead to lower levels of certain B vitamins in the bloodstream.
5. Magnesium
Similar to calcium and B vitamins, coffee might influence magnesium levels by increasing urine output, which could result in your body flushing magnesium more quickly. This could hinder the efficacy of magnesium supplements.
6. Zinc
Research suggests that coffee can interfere with zinc absorption, affecting its bioavailability in the body. Since vitamin D helps with zinc absorption, the interaction may further complicate its effectiveness.
Optimal Coffee Timing
To maximize the benefits of your supplements, try to drink coffee 1-2 hours before taking them or consuming vitamin-rich foods.
Disclaimer: Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they’re suitable for you.
For more information, read the original article on Health.
