The Link Between Iron and Yeast Infections

If you often get fungal infections like yeast infections or oral thrush, you may be wondering if dietary iron overload can cause or worsen a yeast infection or if low iron can affect oral thrush.

Sorting through contradictory dietary advice can be confusing. Here's what you need to know.

Distinguishing Fungus, Yeast, and Candida

The Role of Iron in Fungal Infections

The reason you may have heard about iron in relation to yeast infections is because this dietary mineral is needed for cellular growth, including the growth of yeast cells, says Kristi King, RDN, a Houston-based spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a senior pediatric dietitian at Texas Children's Hospital.

"Yeast can become a scavenger looking for that iron [so] that it can continue to grow," she says.

However, it's not as straightforward as lower iron being good and higher iron being bad. "Yeast has developed a navigation system to thrive in a body that is low in iron as well as in a body that has high iron stores," King says.

The Risk of Restricting Iron 

• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Oysters
• Beans (white beans, red kidney beans)
• Dark chocolate
• Beef liver
• Spinach

That said, if you are prone to yeast infections, do not take extra iron in supplements unless you have been advised to do so by a health professional, King says. "Your medical team will know whether the benefits of an iron supplement might outweigh the potential risk in your case,” she says.

Fighting Yeast Infections and Oral Thrush With Diet

"For combating yeast infections, aim for high-quality proteins and nonstarchy vegetables, incorporate healthy omega-3 fats, and of course, drink plenty of water," King says. "Eating a varied diet that is low in added and refined sugars will also be helpful."

Besides the more obvious sugary foods like desserts and full-sugar fizzy drinks, King says to avoid higher-sugar fruits such as mangoes, kiwis, and grapes, which might also worsen a yeast infection. "In addition, you want to avoid foods that are made with yeast such as bread and other leavened baked goods, as well as beer and malt liquors, soy sauce, and even kombucha," King says.

"A probiotic may be helpful," King says, "but I encourage you to discuss it with your health provider prior to taking it to ensure it is right for you."

The Takeaway

• While yeast needs iron to grow, both low and high iron levels in the body can allow yeast to thrive, so simply adjusting your iron intake isn't a straightforward solution for fungal infections.
• It's important not to intentionally limit dietary iron, since it plays a vital role in preventing fatigue and weakness. Only take iron supplements for yeast infections if a healthcare professional recommends it.
• To combat yeast infections, focus on a diet rich in high-quality proteins and nonstarchy vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of water, and limit added sugars, refined sugars, high-sugar fruits, and yeast-containing foods.
• Probiotics may also be beneficial, but discuss adding these to your routine with your doctor first.