It could be difficult to sort through all the iron supplement options when you know you need more iron in your diet. Here, a registered dietitian gives us the rundown on the top iron supplements on the market.
Iron is essential for many bodily functions, including the transportation of oxygen, the synthesis of hormones, growth, and neurological development.
A nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet can provide most people with all the iron they require. However, you may be susceptible to low iron levels and iron deficiency anaemia if you have insufficient iron intake, an elevated need, or impaired absorption.
The following options, which have been reviewed by Healthline’s medical and nutrition experts, may be of interest to you if a healthcare provider suggests taking extra iron.
Best multivitamin with iron
Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin
Why we picked it: This multivitamin is made for people who want to make up for dietary deficiencies and includes iron along with other essential nutrients.
Iron bisglycinate, which is present in the mint-scented capsules, may be less gastrointestinal distressing and easier to absorb than other forms of iron.
Women’s Rituals Are Essential Additionally, multivitamin 18+ contains a number of nutrients that you might find it challenging to obtain in sufficient amounts from food alone, including:
vitamin D, folate, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
It lacks calcium, which can obstruct the absorption of iron, in contrast to many other multivitamins.
However, it is deficient in a number of nutrients, such as zinc and iodine, that vegans may not get enough of. In addition, it lacks vitamin C and many B vitamins, except folate and B12, and has a low magnesium content.
Best with vitamin C
Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C Capsules
Why we selected it: To guarantee optimal nutrient absorption, this supplement blends iron and vitamin C.
Unadulterated Encapsulations OptiFerin-C has 100 mg of vitamin C, which may help with absorption, and 28 mg of iron bisglycinate.
To enhance nutrient absorption, iron and vitamin C are frequently recommended together. This enables you to take a single, handy capsule in place of multiple supplements.
Products from Pure Encapsulations are manufactured in a facility that has earned CGMP certification, and independent labs test them.
Best vegan iron supplement
MegaFood Blood Builder Capsules
Why we selected it: This supplement focusses on essential nutrients that vegans may be more susceptible to lacking.
MegaFood Blood Builder contains 15 mg of vitamin C for better absorption and 26 mg of iron in the form of iron bisglycinate.
Additionally, it provides B12 and folate, both of which are necessary for the maintenance of healthy blood cells.
MegaFood Blood Builder is non-GMO and vegan by certification. Additionally, MegaFood’s in-house laboratory tests the supplement for more than 125 pesticides.
MegaFood supplements are certified by third parties, such as Certified Glyphosate Residue Free and Certified B Corporation.
They are not, however, subjected to quality or potency testing by third parties.
