Iron and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Both are required for healthy red blood cell production; deficiency of either causes anaemia.
Iron
Oxygen-carrying mineral critical for energy.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
The methylation and nerve-health vitamin that protects the brain and blood.
Designed to work as a pair
One is required for the other to do its job, so they belong together in a stack.
How to take them
Iron
- Dose
- Only when deficient; commonly 18–65 mg elemental iron
- Timing
- With vitamin C; away from calcium, coffee, and tea
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- Dose
- 2.4 mcg RDA; 500–1,000 mcg for deficiency or vegan diets; 1,000 mcg weekly injections if malabsorption
- Timing
- Morning or any time; sublingual forms may be taken without food
Frequently asked
Can you take Iron and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) together?
Yes, they are commonly taken together. Both are required for healthy red blood cell production; deficiency of either causes anaemia.
What's the best time to take Iron and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)?
Around the same time works well. Iron: With vitamin C; away from calcium, coffee, and tea. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Morning or any time; sublingual forms may be taken without food.
How do Iron and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) interact?
Cofactor: Required for the other to do its job. Both are required for healthy red blood cell production; deficiency of either causes anaemia.
Related pairings
Iron + Vitamin C
Taken together, vitamin C can multiply the absorption of plant-based iron.
Calcium + Iron
Calcium taken at the same time inhibits iron absorption; separate them by at least two hours.
Folate (B9) + Iron
Both folate and iron are needed for healthy red blood cell production. Deficiency in either causes anaemia.
Iron + Psyllium Husk
Soluble fiber can bind minerals such as iron and reduce their absorption, so separate the two by a couple of hours.