13/10/2025
So many women struggle with low iron — fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, easy bruising, cold or clammy hands and feet or feeling flat before your period are all common signs 🩸
But it’s not just about how much iron you eat… it’s how well your body can actually absorb it.
Here are a few easy ways to help your body make the most of it 👇
1. Avoid calcium with iron
Calcium (like from milk, cheese, or supplements) competes for absorption. Try to space dairy or calcium tablets about 2 hours away from your iron-rich meals or supplement.
2. Pair iron with vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts absorption and helps your body use the iron you eat — squeeze lemon on your greens, add capsicum to your plate, or have some fruit with your meal 🍓🍋
3. Eat more iron before your period
Your iron absorption actually increases as estrogen rises — so the week before your period is the best time to top up. This helps with energy, mood, and recovery once your bleed starts.
4. Limit coffee & tea around meals
Caffeine isn’t the enemy, but the tannins in coffee and tea can block iron absorption. Try having them 1–2 hours after eating instead of with your meal ☕️
5. Supplement every 2–3 days (if needed)
Your body absorbs iron better when there’s a small gap between doses. Daily iron can irritate your gut — every 2–3 days is usually gentler and more effective (always check your levels first!).
Iron balance is about timing, pairing, and tuning into your cycle, not restriction.
Small changes make a big difference ✨