Meta Information
ID:iron-bisglycinate
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/antacids
Target name:
Antacids
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Antacids contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, and aluminum that bind to iron in the gut, forming insoluble complexes and severely reducing its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Separate iron from any antacid dose by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/class/chelating-antibiotics
Target name:
Tetracycline & Quinolone Antibiotics
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
6
Description:
Iron binds to tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, preventing the absorption of both the iron and the antibiotic, which can lead to treatment failure.
Actionable advice:
Take iron at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these antibiotics.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Levothyroxine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Iron can bind to levothyroxine in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption and potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
Actionable advice:
Separate iron and levothyroxine doses by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/class/calcium-rich-foods
Target name:
Calcium-Rich Foods (e.g., Dairy)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Calcium directly competes with iron for absorption in the small intestine, significantly reducing the amount of iron your body can utilize from a supplement.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking iron with dairy products or calcium-fortified foods; separate by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/calcium-supplements
Target name:
Calcium Supplements
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
4
Description:
High doses of supplemental calcium strongly inhibit the absorption of iron by competing for the same intestinal transporters.
Actionable advice:
Separate iron and calcium supplement doses by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/bisphosphonates
Target name:
Bisphosphonates
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Iron forms a complex with bisphosphonate drugs (used for osteoporosis), which dramatically reduces their absorption and effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Take iron at least 2 hours apart from bisphosphonate medications.
Target id:
/condition/hemochromatosis
Target name:
Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder causing the body to absorb too much iron, leading to toxic accumulation in organs. Iron supplementation is strictly contraindicated.
Actionable advice:
Do not take any iron supplements if you have hemochromatosis.
Target id:
/condition/iron-loading-anemia
Target name:
Iron-Loading Anemias
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Conditions like thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia can lead to iron overload despite the presence of anemia. Supplementation can be dangerous and worsen organ damage.
Actionable advice:
Avoid iron supplements unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a hematologist.
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Iron can chelate (bind to) levodopa in the gut, reducing its absorption and effectiveness for treating Parkinson's disease.
Actionable advice:
Separate doses of iron and levodopa by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/polyphenol-rich-foods
Target name:
Polyphenol-Rich Foods (Tea, Coffee)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Polyphenols and tannins found in tea, coffee, and red wine can bind to iron, inhibiting its absorption. Iron bisglycinate is less affected than other forms but inhibition still occurs.
Actionable advice:
Avoid drinking tea or coffee within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking iron.
Target id:
/dietary/phytate-rich-foods
Target name:
Phytate-Rich Foods (Grains, Legumes)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Phytic acid, found in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, can bind to iron and reduce its bioavailability, though iron bisglycinate is more resistant than iron salts.
Actionable advice:
Take iron at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals high in phytates.
Target id:
/class/dmt1-competing-minerals
Target name:
High-Dose Competing Minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
High doses of other divalent minerals, particularly zinc, can compete with iron for absorption via the DMT1 transporter in the intestine.
Actionable advice:
Separate high-dose zinc or magnesium supplements from iron by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors (PPIs, H2 Blockers)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Reducing stomach acid can decrease the absorption of iron. While iron bisglycinate is less dependent on acid than other forms, absorption can still be moderately reduced.
Actionable advice:
If you take acid-suppressing medication long-term, discuss your iron status with your doctor.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
For maximum absorption, iron should be taken on an empty stomach. Food components, even in meals without major inhibitors, can decrease its uptake.
Actionable advice:
Take iron 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating for best absorption.
Target id:
/circadian/wake
Target name:
Morning (Upon Waking)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
1
Description:
The body's primary iron-regulating hormone, hepcidin, is naturally at its lowest levels in the morning, which may allow for more efficient iron absorption.
Actionable advice:
Take your iron supplement in the morning on an empty stomach for potentially better results.
Target id:
/procedure/fecal-occult-blood-test
Target name:
Fecal Occult Blood Test
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Oral iron supplements can cause a chemical reaction in stool tests for hidden blood, leading to a false-positive result.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue iron supplements for 3-5 days before this test, as advised by your physician.
Target id:
/condition/inflammatory-bowel-disease
Target name:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Oral iron can sometimes irritate the gastrointestinal lining and may exacerbate symptoms in active IBD. Iron bisglycinate is better tolerated but caution is still advised.
Actionable advice:
Consult your gastroenterologist before starting iron; IV iron may be a better option.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin_c_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin C
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption by keeping it in a more soluble form and can help counteract dietary inhibitors like phytates and polyphenols.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking iron with at least 250mg of Vitamin C, especially if taken near a meal.
Target id:
/biomarker/iron-panel
Target name:
Iron Panel & Ferritin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The primary purpose of iron supplementation is to raise iron levels, which is monitored via biomarkers like serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.
Actionable advice:
Regularly monitor your iron panel and ferritin levels with your doctor to guide dosing and prevent overload.