Table 8 General recommendations to optimize oral iron treatment absorption [33, 35, 40, 41]

Iron should not be given with food or with empty stomach, should be given half hour post meal

Iron should be taken separately from calcium-containing foods and beverages (milk), calcium supplements, cereals, dietary fiber, tea, coffee, and egg

Iron should be given 2 h before or 4 h after ingestion of antacids

Coadministration of 250 mg of ascorbic acid or half glass of orange juice with iron to enhance its absorption

Providing iron supplements on alternate days and in single doses optimises iron absorption and compliance may also be higher with this posology