Can you take iron supplements and alcohol together?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Can you take iron supplements and alcohol together?
It is not recommended to take iron supplements together with alcohol. You can take the two on the same day, but it’s best to take them at different times to avoid any possibility of an interaction between the two.
Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of iron and may worsen the potential side effects of iron supplements (1). It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Potential risks of taking iron supplements and alcohol together
Taking iron supplements and alcohol together can pose certain risks and should be approached with caution. These include:
Reduced iron absorption
Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. Iron is better absorbed in an acidic environment, but alcohol can disrupt the stomach’s acid balance, leading to reduced iron absorption. This can potentially affect the effectiveness of iron supplementation (1).
Increased risk of stomach irritation
Both iron supplements and alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach. When taken together, they may exacerbate stomach irritation, leading to symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and discomfort (1,2).
Worsened liver function
Research suggests that excessive alcohol along with iron can increase the oxidative stress in your body and can increase the chance of liver injury (3).
Alcohol is known to have harmful effects on the liver, and excessive alcohol consumption can impair liver function (4). Iron supplements, particularly in high doses, may also stress the liver (1).
Taking both substances together can potentially increase the burden on the liver, potentially worsening liver function.
Potential for gastrointestinal side effects
Both iron supplements and alcohol can cause gastrointestinal side effects individually, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or upset stomach. Taking them together may increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects or make them more severe (1,2).
What is the safest way and time to drink alcohol while taking iron supplements?
When taking iron supplements, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol. However, if you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and consider the following guidelines:
Time it right: Try to separate the consumption of alcohol and iron supplements by several hours. Taking your iron supplement in the morning and waiting until later in the day to drink alcohol can help minimize potential interactions.
Monitor your body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to the combination of alcohol and iron supplements. If you experience any adverse effects, such as stomach discomfort or worsening side effects, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
Seek professional advice: It is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining alcohol and iron supplements. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs and medications.
How to ensure the safe and effective use of iron supplements?
To ensure the safe and effective use of iron supplements, here are some important points to keep in mind (1):
- Follow the recommended dosage for iron supplements.
- Take iron supplements with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
- Take the supplements either on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food.
- Stay adequately hydrated while taking iron supplements.
- Be aware of potential side effects and consult your healthcare provider if any occur.
- Regularly monitor your iron levels through blood tests.
- Check the expiry date on the packaging of the iron supplements to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
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References
1.-
Nguyen M, Tadi P. Iron Supplementation. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491308. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557376
2.-
Bode C, Bode JC. Alcohol’s role in gastrointestinal tract disorders. Alcohol Health Res World. 1997;21(1):76-83. PMID: 15706765; PMCID: PMC6826790. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15706765/
3.-
Whitfield JB, Zhu G, Heath AC, Powell LW, Martin NG. Effects of alcohol consumption on indices of iron stores and of iron stores on alcohol intake markers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001 Jul;25(7):1037-45. PMID: 11505030. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11505030/
4.-
Patel R, Mueller M. Alcoholic Liver Disease. 2022 Oct 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31536239. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546632
