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Will St. John S Wort Blocks The Absorption Of Iron?
Hi, I was researching St. John s wort and apparently it blocks the absorption of iron so people shouldnt use iron supplements while using St. John s wort. Does it also block the iron from the food I eat? If so, how would I get the iron my body needs?
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 1 Mar 2020
Answered on
Tue, 3 Mar 2020
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Yes, it may block the absorption of iron. St. John's wort may interfere with the absorption of the iron supplements as well as the iron present in the food if taken together. Presence of other foods in the stomach may also reduce the iron absorption. Therefore, iron should be taken 2 hours before, or 4 hours after taking St. John's wort.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
Yes, it may block the absorption of iron. St. John's wort may interfere with the absorption of the iron supplements as well as the iron present in the food if taken together. Presence of other foods in the stomach may also reduce the iron absorption. Therefore, iron should be taken 2 hours before, or 4 hours after taking St. John's wort.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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