Iron/Calcium Absortion Battle

Hey gang, need some educated opinions: I know that we arent supposed to take iron supplements within 3 hours of taking calcium due to a conflict with absorbtion.  I have routinely (almost 2 years now) taken my iron supplement right before bed, and always with vitamin C to help with absorbtion.  and well after my last dose of cacium (I'm hooked on Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chewables).  My labs are always good. I would like to get into the habit of having a protein shake right before bed, and taken my iron and vitamin C at the same time.  I drink Unjury protein mixed with 8 oz. of 2% milk.  Question is, is the calcium content of 8 oz. of milk enough to interfere with the absortion of the iron?  I dont want to do anything to interfere with this, but I want to up my protein intake because I usually workout in the evenings (after 8:30 PM, I'm a nightowl), and I've learned that it is good to have a protein shake thereafter. Any educated opinions, advice and/or experiences are welcome.  I have a 2 year follow up with my surgeon/nut on 4/11 and can discuss this with them, but I was looking to begin this regimen before that. Otherwise, doing great on my end.  I've maintained an average weight of 177 pounds (+/- 2 pounds) for the last 6 months or so.  My surgeons goal post-op (and I have this in writing) for my build and height (6') was 179 pounds, +/- 10 pounds.  Pretty good, huh???  Can't beat good old Cleveland Clinic. Anywho, hope everyone is doing well.  Enjoy the weekend.  Sunny and around 80 here in SoFlo this weekend!! John

Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach (nothing to eat 2 hours before ..nothing to eat 2 hours after)... i'd say ...avoidt he protien shake at the same time....take it earlier in the day.  You won't get that post work out "support" but it should all pan out in the end. Or you could take your iron first thing in the AM ....and then wait an hour to eat. Scott

Are you sure you need the iron? Had any blood work done recently?

Hey Doug, trust me, if I dont take it I know it.  I have my labs done every 6 months, in fact I get them done again this Friday.  Just more curious about the calcium effect.  Thanks for asking though. John

I can't answer your question. But it prompts me to ask a couple of my own. I haven't started taking iron supplements yet. My multi has iron and I take twice the RDA of it so I'm getting twice the RDA of iron through taking it. Plus I probably average about 9 - 12 oz of meat per day. Do I need to take additional iron? I'm not scheduled for my first round of blood work for another 2  months. I feel damned good as long as I get enough sleep. Is that a pretty good indication that my iron is probably ok?  Or not.

Hey JFish, my surgeons regiment includes an iron supplement for the rest of your life, regardless o whatever you may be getting through food.  Every surgeons different, but I'm following my guidelines. John

Sorry John but that was as far as my educated opinions go. Where the hell is Dx anyway?