Supplement × Supplement·a conflict·Strong evidence

Iron + Zinc

Conflict Strong evidence

Stored, unreviewed summary: Iron and zinc compete for the same absorption pathways when taken together in supplement form. This record has not completed source-level clinical review.

Research status

Catalogued record, not clinically approved.

Citation presence and an automated evidence check are not medical review.

This pair has not completed NutriStack's standalone publication gate. Attached sources may mention one or both substances without establishing the stored interaction type, direction, severity, dose, management advice, or combined safety. The page is excluded from search indexing and must not be used to start, stop, or change treatment.

From the database

What the row says.

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

Substances
Pair type
Conflict
Evidence
Strong
Source citations
1
Scope
Supplement × Supplement
Last updated
July 13, 2026
ConflictStrong evidence

What is happening. Iron and zinc compete for the same absorption pathways when taken together in supplement form.

Mechanism. Zinc is NOT transported by DMT1; it uses ZIP4 (SLC39A4) exclusively. The antagonism occurs through other intracellular handling mechanisms, not shared transporter competition. High-dose iron (>25mg) can reduce zinc absorption by 50%.

Why it matters. Take iron and zinc at different times of day, separated by at least 2 hours.

Recommendation. Take iron and zinc at different times of day, separated by at least 2 hours.

Direction. The effect runs both ways: each one influences the other.

Timing

Timing & separation.

The stored record proposes this minimum window. Confirm medication schedules with a clinician or pharmacist.

Minimum separation
120
Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

No numeric score interpretation is published for this unreviewed pair record.

Stack Score is a NutriStack product heuristic, not a clinical risk or benefit grade. An unreviewed database label must not be treated as a safety or benefit signal. The algorithm is documented at /methodology/stack-score.

Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Sources attached to the record. Some support an ingredient or mechanism rather than a study of the exact pair; PMIDs link to PubMed where available.

FAQ

Common Iron + Zinc questions.

Plain-language answers drawn from the interaction record on this page.

Can I take Iron and Zinc together?

NutriStack flags a potential conflict between Iron and Zinc. Do not change a prescribed treatment without clinical guidance. Iron and zinc compete for the same absorption pathways when taken together in supplement form.

What kind of interaction is it?

Conflict: the stored record advises against combining the substances without clinician oversight.

How does this affect a NutriStack Stack Score?

No numeric score interpretation is published for this pair because its stored label has not completed source-level clinical review.

What do the cited sources establish?

NutriStack lists 1 source record with this Iron + Zinc entry. A source may support an ingredient, mechanism, or safety concern without testing the exact pair, so citation presence alone does not prove the visible verdict. Full sourcing methodology is at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/interactions.

Check your full routine

One pair was the worked example.

Drop your supplements and prescriptions into NutriStack to screen the catalogued pair records at once. Source links and evidence limits appear where available; a result is not medical clearance.

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.