From the databaseWhat the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, and the recommendation.
Pair type
Timing Sensitive
Scope
Supplement × Supplement
Last verified
June 4, 2026
Timing SensitiveModerate evidence
What is happening. Dairy calcium and some protein matrices can reduce non-heme iron absorption when taken together.
Mechanism. Mineral absorption competition and meal-matrix effects.
Recommendation. Separate iron supplements from whey or calcium-rich shakes by at least 2 hours when treating deficiency.
TimingTiming & separation.
Space the doses apart by at least this window to avoid the conflict.
Stack Score
How it moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Iron and Whey Protein 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.
SourcesSources, by evidence tier.
Every claim on this page is cited. PMIDs link straight to PubMed.
Reference material
1- 1NIH ODS. Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. 2024.Needs sourceNo link