Abstract
Dairy products are an important component of many human diets, and contain high levels of calcium, phosphate, and milk proteins including casein, whey, and bioactive peptides (all potential inhibitors of iron absorption). Results have been conflicting with regard to the effects of dairy products on nonheme iron absorption. Calcium supplementation has been shown to decrease both nonheme and heme iron absorption. The effect of calcium supplementation on iron absorption appears to be dose related up to approximately 300mg calcium. Consuming dairy products 2h either side of main meals does not appear to affect nonheme iron absorption in those meals. When considering the effects of calcium on iron absorption the relative doses and sources of calcium and iron should be considered. The inhibitory effect of calcium on iron absorption from complete diets appears to be less than that from single meals. Longer-term calcium intake over several weeks does not appear to impact on an individuals' iron status in healthy people consuming a varied diet.
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