Combat Iron Deficiency: The 7 Best Iron Supplements of 2023

So, In this article, I’ll share a list of 8 iron supplements, discuss why iron is important, cover symptoms, dosage, and safety, and offer guidance on choosing the right supplement.

Best Iron Supplements:

1– Nature Made Iron Gummies

$19 (OTP)

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As always, Nature Made tries to make its products approachable and convenient for all. They designed a tasty, chewable way of consuming iron. A Raspberry flavored gummy bear a very fun and convenient way of consumption to help your body make healthy red blood cells and aid in maintaining proper energy levels in the body.

Highlights

• Gluten-Free
• No Artificial Flavors , Artificial Sweeteners , Synthetic Dyes
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Gummy Flavored
• Vitamin C To Help With Better Absorption
• 100% Of Iron Daily Value (DV)

Nature Made Iron Gummies Ingredients:

• Minerals

Iron (as Ferrous Fumarate) 18mg (100% DV)


• Vitamins

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 40mg (44% DV)


• Other Ingredients

Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Water, Gelatin, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Colors Added (including Carmine), Ethyl Cellulose, Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax.

Nature Made Iron Gummies Specifications:

• Form: Flavored Gummies
• Serving: 30 Servings

Nature Made Iron Gummies Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Convenient Way Of Consumption
• Raspberry Flavored
• Gluten-Free

Cons:

• Contains Gelatin
• Contains Glucose

2– Mega Food Blood Builder

$15 (OTP)

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MegaFood Blood Builder is a dietary supplement designed to support healthy blood and iron levels in the body. It distinguishes itself by being made from whole-food sources, promoting gentle absorption of iron, and catering to various dietary preferences.

An Iron Supplement crafted from real foods. From farm to tablet. A well-designed supplement that supports healthy blood and iron levels. it promotes gentle absorption of iron and is suitable to various dietary preferences

Highlights

• Extra Vitamin ( C & B12 ) for better absorption and healthy red blood cell production
• Gentle on an empty stomach
• Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free, Non-GMO
• Vegetarian friendly
• 144% Of Daily Iron Value

Mega Food Blood Builder Ingredients:

• Minerals

Iron (as fermented iron bisglycinate) 26 mg (144% DV)


• Vitamins

Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 15 mg, Folate (as folic acid) 680 mcg DFE (408 mcg folic acid) Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 30 mcg


• Real Food Blend

36 mg (Organic brown rice, organic orange, organic broccoli)


• Other Ingredients

Organic beetroot (125 mg)

Mega Food Blood Builder Specifications:

• Form : Tablets
• Serving : 30 Servings

Mega Food Blood Builder Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Clinically trialed and tested
• Natural ingredients
• Affordable
• Suitable for many diets.

Cons:

• Some Complaints of tablet size
• Some Complaints about its taste

3– Thorne Iron Bisglycinate

$14 (OTP)

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Thorne’s Iron Bisglycinate is a top-tier iron supplement. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, guaranteeing it’s safe and free of banned substances. It uses the highest form of absorbable iron (Bisglycinate ), which is also less likely to cause GI side effects, The capsule provides 139% of daily value. Plus, it’s free from artificial flavors, soy, gluten, and dairy.

Highlights

• Formulated with Iron (Bisglycinate): A Format Which ensures optimal delivery of iron
• Third Party Verified
• No Artificial flavors, Soy free, Gluten free, Dairy free
• Vegetarian Friendly
• 25 mg (139%) Of Iron Daily Value (DV)

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Ingredients:

• Minerals

Iron (as Ferrochel Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate)* 25 mg (139% DV )


• Other Ingredients

Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Specifications:

• Form : Capsules
• Serving : 60 Servings

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• NSF Certified for Sport®
• Reduced Gastrointestinal Side effects, Such as Nausea and Constipation
• No Artificial flavors, Soy free, Gluten free, Dairy free

Cons:

• Higher Dosage Than Required DV

4– Ancient Nutrients Iron

$29.95 (OTP)

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Ancient Nutrients Iron is a supplement influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It provides easily absorbed iron, vital for Qi (vital energy) balance, with enhanced absorption thanks to fermented vitamin C. It’s enriched with TCM-approved superfoods and supports women’s health with organic Dong Quai Root Extract. It’s a TCM-inspired formula for improved vitality and balance.

Highlights

• Contains 25mg of organic, fermented Vitamin C and 20 mg of Vitamin B
• Formulated using the ancient traditional chinese method
• Crafted from real food sources
• Paleo Friendly, Keto Friendly, Gluten Free, Made Without Nuts, Made Without Dairy
• 18mg (100% DV) of enzyme-activated iron

Ancient Nutrients Iron Ingredients:

• Minerals

Iron 18 mg (100% DV)


• Vitamins

Vitamin C, Folate (as (6S)-5-methyltetrohydrofolate, glucosamine salt) Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)


• Ancient Nutrients TCM Blend

Bovine Liver, Organic Dong Quai Root Extract, Beef Bone Broth, Chicken Bone Broth, Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract Organic Bai-Zhu, Atractylodes Root Extract Organic Codonopsis Organic Astragalus Root Extract Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract Wild Hake Roe


• Other Ingredients

Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Bovine Gelatin

Ancient Nutrients Iron Specifications:

• Form : Capsules
• Serving : 30 Servings

Ancient Nutrients Iron Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Natural Superfood Ingredients
• Contains a range of beneficial nutrients
• Highly Absorbable (powered by fermentation)

Cons:

• Contains gelatin
• Most expensive on this list

5– NOW Iron Veg Capsules

$13 (OTP)

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NOW is a reputable brand with a long history in the health and wellness industry, known for its rigorous quality control.

Thier Iron Supplement (NOW Iron 18 mg Veg Capsules) provides gentle, non-constipating iron supplementation in the form of (Ferrochel iron bisglycinate).

Additionally, the product is manufactured in facilities certified by UL Solutions, an independent testing organization that guarantees adherence to stringent safety standards during the production process.

Highlights

• Formulated with Iron (Bisglycinate): A format which ensures optimal delivery of iron
• Produced in a GMP facility
• Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Wheat Free
• Soy Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free
• Free Of ( Fish, Shellfish, Or Sesame Ingredients )
• Kosher, Halal, Vegan , Vegetarian Friendly
• 18 mg (100%) Of Iron Daily Value (DV)

NOW Iron Veg Capsules Ingredients:

• Minerals

18 mg (100% DV) Iron (elemental) (from 90 mg Ferrous Bisglycinate) (Ferrochel™)


• Other Ingredients

Rice Flour, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silicon Dioxide

NOW Iron Veg Capsules Specifications:

• Form : Capsules
• Serving : 120 Servings

NOW Iron Veg Capsules Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Produced in a GMP facility
• Manufactured in UL Solutions-Certified Facilities
• Gentle on Stomach
• Cheapest on The List

Cons:

• No Vitamin C for better absorption

6– Life Extension Iron Protein Plus

$21 (OTP)

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Life Extension is a brand known for more than 40 years of constant innovation

Iron Protein Plus is their iron supplement and it includes ‘iron protein succinylate’. That form of iron is not only well-tolerated for people with sensitive stomachs, but it’s also highly absorbable. That one-two combination makes Iron Protein Plus an ideal formula for anyone who needs to supplement their iron intake. It’s also vegetarian friendly, Non-GMO and it’s gluten free.

The only downside to this product is not being vegan friendly

Highlights

• ( Iron Protein Succinylate ) A Highly Absorbable, Gentler on Stomach Form of Iron
• Gluten Free, GMO Free
• Vegetarian Friendly
• 15 mg (83%) Of Iron Daily Value (DV)

Life Extension Iron Protein Plus Ingredients:

• Minerals

15mg Iron (83% DV) [from IronAid Iron Protein Succinylate (300 mg)]


• Other ingredients

Vegetable Cellulose (Capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Stearic Acid.

Life Extension Iron Protein Plus Specifications:

• Form: Vegetarian Capsules
• Serving: 100 Servings

Life Extension Iron Protein Plus Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Value for money
• Convenient Consumption (Small pill)
• Well-Known Brand

Cons:

• Less given value than Iron DV
• Contains milk
• Not vegan friendly

7– Persona nutrition Iron with Vit C.

$8.68

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Persona Nutrition, a doctor-founded subscription service, spices the deal up by asking you to take a quiz to personalize your supplement needs

Their “Iron With Vit C” is your tummy’s best friend, making sure you get your daily 18 mg of iron with a side of vitamin C for extra absorption.

Just a heads-up since it’s made in a place where cross contamination may happen, it’s not be the best choice for people with serious food allergies or sensitivities.

Highlights

• Company created by doctors
• They provide a free online assessment to recommend you a personalized group of supplements
• They offer a supplement subscription service
• Company has an easy to use mobile app
• Vegetarian friendly
• Vitamin C to aid with better absorption

Persona nutrition Iron with Vit C. Ingredients:

• Vitamins

Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 250 mg (278 % DV)


• Minerals

Iron (as iron Ferronyl®) 18 mg (100% DV)


• Other Ingredients

Microcrystalline cellulose, capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, purified water, chlorophyllin), hydroxypropyl cellulose and vegetable stearate.

Persona nutrition Iron with Vit C. Specifications:

• Form: Capsules
• Serving: 28 Servings

Persona nutrition Iron with Vit C. Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Vegetarian friendly
• Gentle on stomach
• Mobile App
• Convenient Consumption (Small Sized Capsule)

Cons:

• Not third-party tested or certified
• Exact amounts of other ingredients are not disclosed
• Not suitable for people with severe food allergies or sensitivities

Importance of Iron

To help you understand the importance of iron. Imagine that your body is like a big city, and Red blood cells (RBC) are like tiny delivery trucks, and their job is to pick up oxygen from your lungs and deliver it to every part of your body, like your muscles, heart, and brain.

Now, Iron is the fuel for these delivery trucks (RBC). It’s what makes them strong and able to carry lots of oxygen.

When the red blood cells pick up the oxygen from your lungs, iron helps them load up and drive around efficiently, making sure every part of your body gets the oxygen it needs.

Since Iron makes about 1/3 of hemoglobin (the protein in RBC responsible for transporting oxygen), Without iron, these delivery trucks wouldn’t work very well, and your body might feel tired and sluggish.

Fun fact: When you see red blood, you’re actually seeing the red color of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells.

• In a nutshell, iron is like the building material for hemoglobin, and hemoglobin is like the oxygen carrier in your blood, ensuring that oxygen gets to where it’s needed to keep you alive and active.

Iron Deficiency

It’s when red blood cells become smaller and contain less hemoglobin. As a result, blood carries less oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

However, Iron deficiency doesn’t just happen. Iron deficiency progresses from depletion of iron stores to iron-deficiency ‘erythropoiesis’ (it’s the factory in the bones that makes red blood cells) and finally to iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

IDA is simply not having enough hemoglobin in your blood, and since hemoglobin is like the oxygen porter in your blood, having too little of it can make you feel tired and weak, and your blood is not as healthy because it’s thinner, smaller, and less red.

• In simpler terms, imagine your body is like a big team of workers, and they need a special tool called ‘iron’ to do their jobs. But sometimes, you don’t have enough of this ‘tool’, So your workers can’t do their work properly. That’s (IDA), it’s when your work team needs ‘more tools’ to do their jobs well, and when they get those tools (iron), you start feeling better and full of energy again.

Who needs iron supplements?

Unless you’re eating iron-rich foods and giving your body its daily value, you don’t necessarily need it.

Your diet could contain Iron-rich foods like Lean Meat, Seafood, Beans, Nuts, Spinach, Fortified Cereals, Tofu, Dried Fruit, and Quino Broccoli.

Here’s a Fact Sheet by NIH that illustrates people with the highest risk of (IDA) :

• Pregnant Women: Pregnant women need extra iron for themselves and their tiny humans. The baby’s growth requires some serious iron supplies.
• Infants and Young Children: Babies, especially premature infants or those born to moms with low iron levels, need an extra dose of iron as they grow.
• Women with Heavy Periods: Ladies dealing with extremely heavy menstrual flows are like magicians, but instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, it’s their iron levels that mysteriously vanish each month.
• Frequent Blood Donors: Regular blood donation, while a noble act, can deplete iron stores, leading to iron deficiency in about 25% to 35% of frequent blood donors.
• People with Cancer: Certain cancers and treatments can be real energy-suckers. Iron deficiency is like an uninvited guest at a tough party.
• People with Digestive Disorders or Surgery: Conditions like celiac disease or gut surgeries can mess with your iron absorption. It’s like your body’s trying to pull a disappearing act on your iron.
• People with Heart Failure: Iron deficiency is common in individuals with chronic heart failure.

Though it’s always best to consult with a doctor to help identify if have (IDM), You may not fall in these groups but still need an iron supplement.

Dosages

Your daily iron requirements depend on your age and gender. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests these daily iron intake levels.

Safety and Side Effects

Iron is likely safe for most people when used in appropriate doses. Set to a maximum intake level (UL) of 45 mg of elemental iron daily. However, with some people, It can cause side effects such as an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. 

*Individuals with ‘hemochromatosis’, a genetic condition causing iron buildup, should avoid iron supplements.

Below is the utmost an individual consumes according to NIH and WebMD.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is a serious matter that can lead to a range of health issues. Treating it will have you feeling more energetic, focused, and healthier overall. Otherwise, it will cause severe anemia or other range of health issues.

Friendly Reminder: It’s always best to check with your doctor on supplement choice and appropriate dosages. Of course, the earlier, the better.

If you have any questions or experiences, feel free to ask/share them with us; we’d love to hear about them.

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