“birth control and iron supplements ”
I got a blood test done and it showed that I am low on iron. I was told to get an slow release iron supplement over the counter by a pharmacist, but they did not know that I am on birth control. I searched a little to make sure the iron supplement would not effect my birth control, but I got mixed answers. I just want to make sure the iron will not change the effectiveness of my birth control.
Female | 17 years old
Medications: birth control
Conditions: iron deficiency
2 Answers
Great question and it’s excellent that you’re being careful about how your medications and supplements interact.
Here’s the short answer:
Iron supplements do not reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
You can safely take both together.
Here's what you should know:
Iron (including slow-release forms) is a mineral, not a hormone or enzyme inducer, so it doesn’t interfere with the hormones in birth control pills.
The confusion online usually comes from people wondering about general absorption issues but this is more about when you take the pills, not about effectiveness.
Helpful Tips:
To improve iron absorption, take your supplement:
With vitamin C (like orange juice)
On an empty stomach, if your stomach tolerates it
Avoid taking iron at the exact same time as your birth control if it causes nausea, but that’s more about comfort—not about drug interaction
It’s totally fine to space them out (e.g., birth control in the morning, iron at night)
Bottom Line:
You’re good to go, your iron supplement won’t interfere with your birth control. If you start feeling any side effects (constipation, nausea), you can switch formulations or timing, but there’s no effect on protection.
I hope this was helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
Here’s the short answer:
Iron supplements do not reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
You can safely take both together.
Here's what you should know:
Iron (including slow-release forms) is a mineral, not a hormone or enzyme inducer, so it doesn’t interfere with the hormones in birth control pills.
The confusion online usually comes from people wondering about general absorption issues but this is more about when you take the pills, not about effectiveness.
Helpful Tips:
To improve iron absorption, take your supplement:
With vitamin C (like orange juice)
On an empty stomach, if your stomach tolerates it
Avoid taking iron at the exact same time as your birth control if it causes nausea, but that’s more about comfort—not about drug interaction
It’s totally fine to space them out (e.g., birth control in the morning, iron at night)
Bottom Line:
You’re good to go, your iron supplement won’t interfere with your birth control. If you start feeling any side effects (constipation, nausea), you can switch formulations or timing, but there’s no effect on protection.
I hope this was helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
No, the iron supplement will not change the effectiveness of your birth control
