should be taken together.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDE/is_3_20/ai_74510761Most of us know that the form of iron found in plants (called non-heme iron) is not absorbed as well as heme iron, found in animal products. Vegetarians are often taught that vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron so that to maximize iron absorption from vegetarian meals, meals should include orange juice, tomato products, or other good sources of vitamin C. There is a great deal of variation from one individual to another in the amount of iron that is absorbed. A recent study found that this individual variability accounts for more than half of the variability in iron absorption, while vitamin C accounts for only about 8% of the variability. However, food sources of vitamin C can still improve iron absorption, although perhaps not as much as was once believed. Because of the benefits of both substances, it is still important for vegetarians to include good sources of both iron and vitamin C in their diets.