Calcium & Iron

I know not to take them at the same time, since they'll bond and not be absorbed, but is there a limit?  I'm asking in the instance of a friend who isn't a WLS pt.  She's borderline vegetarian, and doesn't eat red meat, and little dairy, so I'm a little concerned about her iron and calcium intake.  She takes organic vitamins (is there really a difference?  Really???) and they have both iron and calcium in them.  I told her she needs to take calcium separately, but wasn't sure if she should worry about the iron.  Thanks!

Iron that is not from animal sources ("heme" iron) is not as well absorbed.  It is not uncommon for vegans to be iron deficient.  If she uses some eggs & dairy she could be alright.  Dark green leafy veggies like spinach have a fair amount of iron.  Calcium is also present in vegetables. I agree that she should probably take a vitamin, but a multi may be enough.  For calcium, 1200 mg per day is minimal, women should aim for 1800 mg (this is not a wls patient I am referring to). Additional iron is not indicated if she has enough intake & stores.  Too much iron is also not a good thing (women don't have to worry about this as much in their childbearing years - but men do!) Organic vitamins refers to the method in which they were produced.  If they are from plant sources, then there were no pesticides, etc used.  Is there a difference? Depends on who you're asking.  In terms of efficacy, probably not.  In terms of potential unwanted by-products, there is a difference.  What I like to remind people of is that arsenic is "natural" and petroleum is "organic".  It's all in the way you define it. You are a good friend to worry.

Thanks for offering up such good advice!  Makes me want to take more nutrition classes in school!