Iron is a common supplement, but many people still have questions about it. We’ve all heard about how long after taking iron can you drink alcohol, but the truth is that it can vary quite a bit. That’s why we decided to take the time to answer some of the most common questions about this important supplement.
Does Alcohol Increase the Risk of Anemia?
Most studies that link heavy alcohol consumption with anemia stop short of stating that it is the cause, but most experts agree that it increases the likelihood that someone who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol will become anemic. The reason for this is that alcohol prevents the body from absorbing certain nutrients, including iron and folic acid, which are essential to the formation of red blood cells.
Heavy drinking also negatively impacts the liver’s ability to produce hepcidin, which regulates how the body absorbs iron. This can lead to a condition called hemochromatosis, or iron overload, in which the body begins to store excess iron, causing the blood vessels to become thick and dense.
People with hemochromatosis are advised to abstain from alcohol until the condition is treated with hepcidin-lowering medications such as deferoxamine or deferasirox. If you are suffering from hemochromatosis, it is highly recommended to talk with your doctor before consuming any form of alcohol while on these medications. You should also be sure to discuss any other medication, herb or dietary supplements you are currently taking with your doctor before starting on these medications.