Iron pills are best taken with meals or with a glass of a vitamin C containing juice. Components of coffee and tea can inhibit iron absorption from supplements and plant foods. Therefore, they should not be consumed until 1 hours after taking the iron. Calcium should also be taken with meals. Therefore, spread out your large dose throughout the day, taking no more than 500 mg at a time.
Calcium carbonate is the most common form of calcium in supplements.
This form should be taken with meals. Calcium citrate is more expensive, but dissolves more readily and may be appropriate for those over 50 or those who have decreased stomach acid. This form is less concentrated, so more tablets must be taken to get the same amount of calcium. Wheat bran can inhibit absorption of calcium, so avoid taking the supplement with a meal containing wheat bran. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal calcium absorption.