Pharmacists reveal: The vitamins and minerals you should never pair with your morning coffee
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Some daily patterns we follow without much thought can appear completely harmless at first glance, but they might carry consequences that don’t reveal themselves right away.
It’s easy to overlook how something as routine as your morning schedule could quietly interfere with the health outcomes you’re aiming to maintain.
Even actions that feel intuitive or beneficial may end up dulling the impact of the very habits you’re trying to build on. And now, new insights from experts are bringing fresh attention to subtle choices that may deserve a second look.
Pharmacists are pointing out how certain combinations can limit how much your body gets from essential nutrients.
Coffee, although a morning staple for many, contains compounds that interact with nutrient absorption.
According to pharmacist Elise Kim, “This compound is a strong inhibitor of non-heme iron absorption (the type found in plant foods and supplements).”
Other health professionals confirm the way your body responds to supplements can vary depending on timing and pairing.
1. Iron
Iron is a vital mineral involved in oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. But researchers have found that drinking coffee at the same time as taking an iron supplement can reduce absorption by up to 54%.
Dr. Bo Wang explains, “Having coffee with an iron supplement or fortified cereal may make your body absorb less iron.” Experts recommend waiting at least one hour after coffee and taking iron with vitamin C-rich foods to boost effectiveness.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, plays a key role in calcium regulation, immunity, and bone health. According to pharmacist Elise Kim, “Research suggests that caffeine may reduce the expression of vitamin D receptors, which can lower vitamin D levels.”
Although more research is needed to confirm the clinical impact, early findings suggest that caffeine could limit how well your body uses this nutrient. Taking vitamin D with a meal that contains fat and at least one hour apart from coffee may help improve uptake.
Also read: The surprising link between your personality and food cravings
3. B Vitamins
B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning your body flushes out excess amounts rather than storing them. Pharmacist Elise Kim notes, “As B vitamins are water-soluble, caffeine’s mild diuretic effect can increase how much your body excretes, especially with higher caffeine intake.”
These nutrients support metabolism, energy production, and neurological function, so any interference may matter. Spacing B-complex supplements away from your coffee by at least an hour gives your body a better chance to retain what it needs.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle contraction, blood sugar balance, nerve function, and sleep quality. Caffeine may interfere with its absorption and increase how much is excreted through urine, according to studies reviewed by pharmacist Elise Kim.
This can be especially problematic if you’re taking magnesium to help with sleep, since caffeine can affect both nutrient levels and restfulness. Experts recommend keeping a clear window of time between caffeine and magnesium intake for best results.
Also read: Are these everyday foods secretly hurting your health? What science now says about ultraprocessed items
5. Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone density, nerve signaling, and proper muscle function, especially as we age. A study referenced by Kim found that caffeine consumption increased calcium excretion by 77% compared to a placebo group.
While adding milk to coffee may reduce some loss, it won’t offset what’s lost when taking calcium supplements with caffeine. “Calcium absorption may be reduced by caffeine, but the clinical impact remains unclear,” says pharmacist Elise Kim.
Expert Take
While timing matters, not everyone needs to take supplements in the first place. “Supplements are just that—to supplement,” says pharmacist Philip Ngo.
If you're already getting enough nutrients from a balanced diet, supplements may not add much unless a deficiency is present. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if supplementation is needed and how best to take it.
Read next: What you do right after a fall can prevent serious complications—ER doctors explain
Have you ever noticed a difference when separating your supplements from your morning coffee? Do you plan to shift your routine based on expert guidance? What other supplement habits have worked (or failed) for you? Share your thoughts below and let us know how you’re adjusting for better results.
It’s easy to overlook how something as routine as your morning schedule could quietly interfere with the health outcomes you’re aiming to maintain.
Even actions that feel intuitive or beneficial may end up dulling the impact of the very habits you’re trying to build on. And now, new insights from experts are bringing fresh attention to subtle choices that may deserve a second look.
Pharmacists are pointing out how certain combinations can limit how much your body gets from essential nutrients.
Coffee, although a morning staple for many, contains compounds that interact with nutrient absorption.
According to pharmacist Elise Kim, “This compound is a strong inhibitor of non-heme iron absorption (the type found in plant foods and supplements).”
Other health professionals confirm the way your body responds to supplements can vary depending on timing and pairing.
The vitamins and minerals you should never pair with your morning coffee. Image source: Alessio Soggetti / Unsplash
1. Iron
Iron is a vital mineral involved in oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. But researchers have found that drinking coffee at the same time as taking an iron supplement can reduce absorption by up to 54%.
Dr. Bo Wang explains, “Having coffee with an iron supplement or fortified cereal may make your body absorb less iron.” Experts recommend waiting at least one hour after coffee and taking iron with vitamin C-rich foods to boost effectiveness.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, plays a key role in calcium regulation, immunity, and bone health. According to pharmacist Elise Kim, “Research suggests that caffeine may reduce the expression of vitamin D receptors, which can lower vitamin D levels.”
Although more research is needed to confirm the clinical impact, early findings suggest that caffeine could limit how well your body uses this nutrient. Taking vitamin D with a meal that contains fat and at least one hour apart from coffee may help improve uptake.
Also read: The surprising link between your personality and food cravings
3. B Vitamins
B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning your body flushes out excess amounts rather than storing them. Pharmacist Elise Kim notes, “As B vitamins are water-soluble, caffeine’s mild diuretic effect can increase how much your body excretes, especially with higher caffeine intake.”
These nutrients support metabolism, energy production, and neurological function, so any interference may matter. Spacing B-complex supplements away from your coffee by at least an hour gives your body a better chance to retain what it needs.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle contraction, blood sugar balance, nerve function, and sleep quality. Caffeine may interfere with its absorption and increase how much is excreted through urine, according to studies reviewed by pharmacist Elise Kim.
This can be especially problematic if you’re taking magnesium to help with sleep, since caffeine can affect both nutrient levels and restfulness. Experts recommend keeping a clear window of time between caffeine and magnesium intake for best results.
Also read: Are these everyday foods secretly hurting your health? What science now says about ultraprocessed items
5. Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone density, nerve signaling, and proper muscle function, especially as we age. A study referenced by Kim found that caffeine consumption increased calcium excretion by 77% compared to a placebo group.
While adding milk to coffee may reduce some loss, it won’t offset what’s lost when taking calcium supplements with caffeine. “Calcium absorption may be reduced by caffeine, but the clinical impact remains unclear,” says pharmacist Elise Kim.
Expert Take
While timing matters, not everyone needs to take supplements in the first place. “Supplements are just that—to supplement,” says pharmacist Philip Ngo.
If you're already getting enough nutrients from a balanced diet, supplements may not add much unless a deficiency is present. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if supplementation is needed and how best to take it.
Read next: What you do right after a fall can prevent serious complications—ER doctors explain
