Supplement × Prescription·timing-sensitive·Emerging evidence

Fosfomycin + Iron

Timing Sensitive Emerging evidence

Oral iron salts are polyvalent cations known to chelate many antibiotics in the gut. Iron can plausibly bind fosfomycin and reduce its absorption, potentially lowering the urinary antibiotic concentration needed for the single-dose treatment of an uncomplicated UTI.

From the database

What the row says.

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

Substances
Pair type
Timing Sensitive
Evidence
Emerging
Source citations
1
Scope
Supplement × Prescription
Last verified
June 4, 2026
Timing SensitiveEmerging evidence

What is happening. Oral iron salts are polyvalent cations known to chelate many antibiotics in the gut. Iron can plausibly bind fosfomycin and reduce its absorption, potentially lowering the urinary antibiotic concentration needed for the single-dose treatment of an uncomplicated UTI.

Mechanism. Polyvalent cation (iron) chelation forms an insoluble fosfomycin-iron complex in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing oral bioavailability.

Recommendation. Separate oral iron supplements from the single fosfomycin dose. Since fosfomycin is taken once, take the antibiotic alone and resume iron the following day or several hours apart.

Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both Fosfomycin 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

1
  • 1Patel SS, Balfour JA, Bryson HM. Fosfomycin tromethamine: pharmacokinetic properties and effect of divalent and polyvalent cations on oral absorption. Drugs. 1997.Needs sourceNo link

Check your full routine

One pair was the worked example.

Drop your supplements and prescriptions into NutriStack and it runs every pair at once: every interaction, synergy, timing rule, and contraindication, each linked to its primary source.

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.