International Coffee Day: Why Timing Matters With Food and Supplements

For millions of people, a morning cup of coffee is a daily ritual. But as International Coffee Day puts the drink in the spotlight, its timing is worth considering, particularly around meals and supplements.

Coffee can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron, the form found in plant foods such as lentils, beans and leafy greens. Drinking it alongside these foods may therefore matter more for people with low iron levels.

Iron supplements also deserve attention. Taking them with coffee can interfere with absorption, so anyone using them should follow the product instructions or ask a pharmacist about how to space their dose from their usual cup.

That does not mean coffee drinkers need to avoid iron-rich foods or give up their morning routine. The key is to distinguish between foods that are unsafe to combine and nutrients whose absorption may be affected, with individual advice especially useful for anyone being treated for a deficiency.