If you are taking iron supplements, you need to be careful about the food you eat and other drugs and supplements you take. This is because certain foods and drugs can interfere with the absorption of iron. Do not take iron supplements with a meal because this can interfere with iron absorption. Iron is best absorbed when it is taken on an empty stomach. Take your iron supplement an hour or so before meals. Certain foods like milk, caffeine, calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of iron. Therefore, avoid taking these immediately before or after taking iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase the efficiency of iron absorption. You can get iron supplements which contain iron in combination with vitamin C. You can also take your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice to increase the absorption of iron. Minerals like copper, manganese and molybdenum can increase the efficiency of iron absorption. Vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin B complex can also increase iron absorption. Take these along with iron supplements to increase the efficiency of iron uptake. Zinc and vitamin E can interfere with iron absorption so avoid taking these immediately before or after taking iron supplements. Some form of iron salts may be better absorbed than others. Your doctor can recommend one which can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body.