Vitamin and mineral interactions
Some vitamins and minerals work excellently together in order to help optimise their functions.
Calcium and vitamin D
Consuming calcium and vitamin D together allows calcium to be more readily available to the body.
This is particularly true if the source of calcium is of plant origin (such as green leafy vegetables) as they can contain ingredients that inhibit calcium absorption.
However, eating a source of vitamin D alongside calcium will help the body to absorb the optimum amount.
Iron and vitamin C
Eating iron and vitamin C together allows iron to be more readily available to the body.
This is particularly true if the iron is from a non-haem source (such as green leafy vegetables) as vitamin C helps to convert non-haem iron into the more easily absorbed haem iron.
However, eating a source of vitamin C (such as citrus fruit) alongside the iron will help the body to absorb the optimum amount.