Question about prenatals and dairy.....

Please don't think I'm an idiot for this.....

I've heard not to take my prenatals with dairy products as it could stop the proper absorbtion of iron. I'm now taking an iron supplement in addition to my prenatal (anemic).

What causes the breakdown in absorption? Is it the calcium, or just the dairy products in general? I'm dying for some of my OJ (which is Calcium enriched), but don't want to take it with my prenatal. Additionally, I'll likely have to take TUMS after the OJ as I KNOW it'll cause heartburn- so will THAT cause problems with absorbtion as well (as TUMS has calcium).

I can't believe I'm thinking about these things- let alone posting about it.

Re: Question about prenatals and dairy.....

Calcium can block the absorption of iron.

I'm on an iron supplement and there is a detailed list of things you can't have for 2-3 hours around the iron pill.

TUMS and Milk are listed.

Which is a huge bummer because I need to take the iron pill right before bed so it doesn't make me sick, but then I have bad heartburn and just have to deal with it for 2 hours.

Re: Question about prenatals and dairy.....