How should patients take iron supplements for optimal absorption?

Taking iron supplements with orange juice is recommended because vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron, particularly non-heme iron, which is the type found in supplements and plant-based foods. The ascorbic acid in orange juice reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron, the more absorbable form, and also creates an acidic environment in the stomach that facilitates iron absorption.

While it's important for patients to consider how they take iron supplements, other options don’t support optimal absorption. For instance, taking iron with coffee can inhibit absorption due to polyphenols present in coffee. Milk contains calcium, which competes with iron for absorption, further reducing iron levels in the body when consumed together. Drinking iron with just water is acceptable, but it does not provide the additional benefit of enhanced absorption that vitamin C from orange juice offers.

In summary, the combination of iron supplements and orange juice maximizes absorption, making it the optimal choice for patients.