What kind of interaction is it?

Timing-sensitive: the two substances can be taken on the same day but should be separated by a minimum time window.

Is this interaction backed by published research?

Yes. NutriStack lists 1 citation row for the EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) + Iron pair, each linking to PubMed by PMID where available. Full sourcing methodology at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/interactions.

Supplement × Supplement·timing-sensitive·Strong evidence

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) + Iron

Q: Can I take EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and Iron together?

Yes, if you separate them in time. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and Iron have a documented timing-sensitive interaction. Green tea catechins such as EGCG bind non-heme iron in the gut and form poorly absorbed complexes, reducing iron absorption. This is most relevant for people with iron deficiency or anemia taking iron supplements.

Q: How does this affect a NutriStack Stack Score?

-5 to your Stack Score per scored timing-sensitive row.

Timing Sensitive Strong evidence

Green tea catechins such as EGCG bind non-heme iron in the gut and form poorly absorbed complexes, reducing iron absorption. This is most relevant for people with iron deficiency or anemia taking iron supplements.

Supplement × Supplement

Open the interaction checker → Read the methodology

From the database

What the row says.

Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, and the recommendation.

Substances

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and Iron

Pair type

Timing Sensitive

Evidence

Strong

Source citations

Scope

Supplement × Supplement

Last verified

June 4, 2026

Timing SensitiveStrong evidence

What is happening. Green tea catechins such as EGCG bind non-heme iron in the gut and form poorly absorbed complexes, reducing iron absorption. This is most relevant for people with iron deficiency or anemia taking iron supplements.

Mechanism. Polyphenol-iron chelation: galloyl groups on EGCG complex with ferric/ferrous iron in the intestinal lumen, lowering bioavailability of non-heme iron.

Recommendation. Separate EGCG (or green tea extract) and iron supplements by at least 2 hours. Take iron with vitamin C and away from catechin-rich products to preserve absorption.

Timing

Timing & separation.

Space the doses apart by at least this window to avoid the conflict.

Minimum separation

120

Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and Iron 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 at /methodology/stack-score.

Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Every claim on this page is cited. PMIDs link straight to PubMed.

Reference material

1Hurrell RF, Reddy M, Cook JD. Inhibition of non-haem iron absorption in man by polyphenolic-containing beverages. British Journal of Nutrition. 1999.Needs sourceNo link

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