Caffeine has no effect on iron absorption so if someone is concerned about lack of iron there is no point in switching to decaf coffee. For healthy people, there is no issue with iron absorption. But for those who are iron deficient, probably best to skip having coffee or tea with a meal.

How long should you wait to drink coffee after taking iron?

When you take ferrous sulfate (or when you eat foods that are high in iron), make sure you leave a 2-hour gap before having tea or coffee or any of the foods on this list. This will help your body take in the iron.

What blocks the absorption of iron?

Calcium (like iron) is an essential mineral, which means the body gets this nutrient from diet. Calcium is found in foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, canned salmon, tofu, broccoli, almonds, figs, turnip greens and rhubarb and is the only known substance to inhibit absorption of both non-heme and heme iron.