Can Your Coffee and Supplements Mix? Understanding What Coffee Interferes With

Coffee and nutritional supplements don’t always go together.

In recent years, nutritional supplements for health and wellness have become more common, and many people take them with their morning coffee. However, experts caution that coffee can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients.

Calcium and iron don’t go well with coffee

Calcium and iron are two nutrients whose absorption is significantly reduced when consumed with coffee. Caffeine interferes with the body’s calcium absorption and increases the amount excreted through the urine. One study found that drinking a cup of coffee can increase the amount of calcium excreted by more than 6 mg. If this continues for an extended period, it can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Iron is also absorbed less than half the time when consumed with coffee. This is because the polyphenols and tannins in coffee bind with the iron, making it harder for the body to absorb. Drinking coffee at least an hour apart is best if you take iron pills.

Watch out for magnesium and vitamin D

Magnesium is another nutrient that increases coffee’s excretion. Magnesium plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function, and since caffeine is a diuretic, it’s likely to be excreted from the body quickly. It’s best to avoid drinking coffee with magnesium supplements, especially if you’re prone to muscle cramps or fatigue.

Vitamin D is another nutrient that doesn’t go well with coffee. Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your body absorb calcium, and if coffee increases calcium excretion, it can decrease its effectiveness. In addition, some studies have shown that caffeine can lower vitamin D levels.

Which nutrients are safe to consume with coffee?

However, coffee doesn’t interfere with some nutrients. For instance, caffeine has no effect on vitamin C or B vitamins, which can help reduce fatigue and increase energy metabolism. B vitamins can help stabilize the nervous system and improve focus when combined with caffeine.

The experts advise that when taking nutritional supplements, it’s essential to consider the specifics of each ingredient, especially with coffee, to ensure you get the expected benefits. They emphasized that taking nutritional supplements as prescribed is crucial for your overall health.