Thanks for your post.

Calcium isn't a very well absorbed substance in general, with only a small part of any dose being absorbed. Calcium absorption can be compromised by many factors so it isn't possible to say exactly how long absorption takes. More information on calcium can found in the charity's leaflet entitled "Healthy bones facts about food."
 
Calcium may reduce the absorption of iron, but zinc is not listed as being affected on the calcium supplement information leaflets. There really is no hard and fast rule about the length of time to leave between taking calcium and iron as different manufacturer's instructions vary from no mention of an interaction (Cacit) to leaving up to 4 hours. It is important to check the leaflet that comes with the supplement.

Best wishes,

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society

Thanks for your new post.

Yes, zinc is known to be an essential element in bone mineralisation and skeletal growth. However without clear evidence that routine zinc supplementation is beneficial for bones, the current recommendation of the charity is that adequate zinc for most people is obtained through the consumption of a healthy, well balanced diet. Having said this many people do choose to take additional supplements and certainly there is no harm in continuing to take them. Zinc and its role in bone health is described in the charity's leaflet "Healthy bones-facts about food".

There appears to be conflicting information on the internet about calcium and zinc absorption issues. If you are concerned about calcium interfering with the absorption of zinc then you might wish to seperate taking the supplements.

Best wishes,

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society