Experts Warn Against Taking These 4 Vitamins With Coffee

Spacing out supplements and coffee is key for optimal nutrient absorption.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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Registered dietitians advise against taking certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, calcium, and B vitamins, with coffee. The chemicals in coffee can interfere with the absorption of these nutrients, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Experts recommend spacing out supplements and coffee by at least 1-2 hours to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

Why it matters

For people using supplements to correct a deficiency, the small absorption hits caused by coffee can make a difference. Proper timing and spacing of supplements and coffee is crucial to ensure you're getting the full benefits of your vitamins and minerals.

The details

Coffee contains compounds and tannins that can bind to iron, preventing it from being fully absorbed. Coffee can also interfere with the receptors that bind vitamin D in cells that build bone. Additionally, coffee slightly decreases calcium absorption from the intestinal tract and increases its excretion in urine. The caffeine in coffee can also have a mild diuretic effect, causing water-soluble vitamins like B vitamins to be eliminated more quickly.

  • Coffee should be consumed 1-2 hours before or after taking supplements for optimal nutrient absorption.

The players

Sonya Angelone

A nutritionist and registered dietitian based in San Francisco.

Scott Keatley

Co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Lisa Moskovitz

CEO of NY Nutrition Group.

Jessica Cording

Registered dietitian and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers.

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What they’re saying

“Coffee contains several chemicals that can alter the absorption of nutrients. Although some of these chemicals have antioxidant health benefits, they can also bind to certain vitamins and minerals and decrease their absorption.”

— Sonya Angelone, Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian (parade.com)

“For people using supplements to correct a deficiency, those small absorption hits can matter.”

— Scott Keatley, Co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy (parade.com)

“It's important to also be mindful of what else you're doing in the morning along with your caffeine ritual.”

— Lisa Moskovitz, CEO of NY Nutrition Group (parade.com)

“This doesn't mean you need to choose between taking your daily supplement or having this popular beverage, but it does mean you'll need to be a little more creative with when you have each.”

— Jessica Cording, Registered Dietitian and Author (parade.com)

What’s next

It's important to check in with a healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine and to be mindful of potential interactions with coffee.

The takeaway

Proper timing and spacing of supplements and coffee is crucial to ensure you're getting the full benefits of your vitamins and minerals. By being strategic about when you consume each, you can avoid potential absorption issues and ensure your supplement routine is as effective as possible.