Iron deficiency is highly prevalent globally, but recent evidence indicates risks associated Fe supplementation, some of which may be ameliorated by giving Fe with food. We conducted a pilot study to assess postprandial effects on plasma Fe, non‐transferrin bound Fe (NTBI) and isoprostane (a marker of oxidative stress) of an Fe supplement given with or without rice porridge, using a cross‐over design with a one‐week washout period. Within 4 h after ingestion of 45 mg Fe as FeSO4, plasma Fe concentrations were significantly greater when given without a meal than with a meal (p=0.02), although the treatment x time interaction was not significant (p=0.36). The increase in plasma Fe was greater for subjects with low vs. high Fe stores (p<0.01), regardless of treatment. Plasma NTBI concentrations were marginally greater for subjects with high Fe stores than for those with low Fe stores (p=0.06), but they did not increase after ingestion of Fe supplements, with or without a meal. Plasma isoprostane concentrations did not differ by treatment (with vs. without a meal, p= 0.73) or increase after ingestion of Fe supplements (p= 0.53), indicating no acute effect on lipid oxidation after an oral Fe dose. We conclude that giving iron with a meal prevents excess iron uptake by subjects with high iron stores. Further research is needed to examine long‐term effects of this approach. Supported by Jastro‐Shields Research Award and USDA, ARS.