NutriStack
Ciprofloxacin and Iron Bisglycinate, timing-sensitive.
Iron, including chelated forms like iron bisglycinate, binds ciprofloxacin in the gastrointestinal tract and forms insoluble complexes that prevent absorption. The reduction in ciprofloxacin bioavailability can exceed 50 percent. Although bisglycinate is marketed as gentler on the gut, it still contains free iron available for fluoroquinolone chelation in the intestinal lumen.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Ciprofloxacin and Iron Bisglycinate
- Pair type
- Timing Sensitive
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 3 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Timing Sensitive · Strong evidence
Timing Sensitive
What is happening. Iron, including chelated forms like iron bisglycinate, binds ciprofloxacin in the gastrointestinal tract and forms insoluble complexes that prevent absorption. The reduction in ciprofloxacin bioavailability can exceed 50 percent. Although bisglycinate is marketed as gentler on the gut, it still contains free iron available for fluoroquinolone chelation in the intestinal lumen.
Mechanism. Fe2+ and Fe3+ cations chelate the 3-carboxyl and 4-oxo groups of ciprofloxacin, forming insoluble complexes that are not absorbed across enterocytes.
Recommendation. Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after any iron supplement, including bisglycinate. Do not take together in the same dose.
Minimum separation. 360
Sources (3)
- Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;31(3):251-5. PMID 2054263
- Polk RE. Drug-drug interactions with ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones. Am J Med. 1989;87(5A):76S-81S. PMID 2686430
- Wiesner A, Zagrodzki P, Gawalska A, Paśko P. Together or Apart? Revealing the Impact of Dietary Interventions on Bioavailability of Quinolones: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2024;63(6):773-818. PMID 38807006
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Ciprofloxacin and Iron Bisglycinate are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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