Best Iron Supplements
Iron is one of the most essential supplements for our bodies, so if you are dealing with lethargy and fatigue it’s possible you could be low on iron—especially if you are a lady! If this sounds like you, one of the best iron supplements may work for you.
Nowadays there are tons of iron supplement brands to choose from and although you can get iron from some of the foods you eat—like liver, beef, spinach, and legumes—you may still not be getting the amount your body needs.
Check out the best of the best below!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
If you have been diagnosed with an iron deficiency absolutely look at your diet first. However, you will most likely need an iron supplement to ensure you get the right amount your body needs.
We here at RunnerClick want to help all of our runner friends be as healthy as they can and get the most enjoyment and the best results they can from their runs and workouts. That is why when we decided to review iron supplements, we wanted to be sure to look at how easy they are to use and who they are intended for.
We made sure the products we include on our guide were designed and formulated to be usable for a wide range of people and to be applicable to many different situations and scenarios. If you have been diagnosed with an iron deficiency absolutely look at your diet first. Meats and seafood are terrific sources of iron and they absorb very in the body.
You can try fortified cereals, leafy greens are particularly high in iron as well as dark chocolate, legumes, and tofu. Try to eat as many of these foods as possible in every meal and that should help you with your deficiency. If you are still in need of supplementation in addition to your iron-rich diet this list gives you a comprehensive review of the best over-the-counter options.
Remember to include vitamin C both when you are eating iron-rich foods and when you are taking the supplementation to help with absorption. Remember that coffee and tea, and even calcium supplements can impede your body’s ability to absorb iron. Therefore it is best to try to take your iron supplement as far apart as possible from any ingestion of tea , coffee, and calcium supplement.
Compatibility
Unfortunately, oral iron supplements can come with very undesirable gastrointestinal problems if not taken properly. Before you buy an iron supplement, make sure you take a look at your specific needs and preferences to ensure it will work for you.
When it comes to any type of supplement it is important to think about how it will react to other medications and supplements and vitamins you may be taking already. Some prescriptions can interact with OTC medications and supplements and vice verso so it is important that you talk to your health care provider about anything you are taking and any health concerns you may have.
They can work with you to ensure you are no putting yourself at risk for side effects or complications with a particular iron supplement. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, and get what many call the “burp factor.” Normally these are because of dosing and while you continue your regimen you should see a lessening in these side effects.
If you gradually start with small doses and work up to your larger dose you may be able to increase your body’s ability to tolerate the iron and that could help you with digesting it to avoid or decrease the side effects. Eating when you take your medication can help ease the symptoms the iron causes, but it also decreases the amount of the iron you are going to be able to absorb so that is certainly a consideration.
Application
Iron can come in tablets, capsules, chewable, melt in your mouth, or be liquid form. We know some of you may be pickier than others, so make sure to choose the option you won't mind taking on a daily basis.
With all of the different types and formulations and strengths available to choose from with irons supplements, we wanted to help make your choice easier. To this end, we tried to present a range of products that represented a varied selection of what is available on the market today.
Everyone is different and different people need different supplements, even of the same element- like iron. The way you apply a supplement can have a big impact on how successful it is and we wanted to make sure this aspect of selection was included in our search criteria. You have many different options to take iron.
Some iron supplements are formulated to be slow-release and these can be taken once daily and release the iron throughout the body throughout the day. Tablets tend to be the most affordable option and they also tend to be better absorbed in the body. Liquids can be a terrific option for children as this is a preferred way for children to safely take the supplement.
Tablets and capsules can be choking hazards and also super difficult for many small ones to physically be able to swallow in general. Supplements that are formulated to be slow-release generally have far fewer side effects. This is because the amount of the supplement your body ingests is just a little quantity at a time.
The big thing to remember with a slow-release is that you want to take them as is and not grind or pour out the contents of the pill because that could lead to greater side effects and toxicity. Your personal preference comes into account. Some people have a hard time swallowing one big pill, so they’d prefer more pills that are smaller.
They may also consider pills that melt in your mouth so swallowing isn’t an issue at all. Liquids can be sticky, and some can be made with dyes that have the ability to stain your teeth. If you want to avoid this issue just make sure you are getting the solid pill or tablet iron supplement options--we have plenty of them on our list.
Ease of Use
You must carefully consider what supplements are right for you. You should get something that is easy for you to take and never a hassle--so it will never be a problem to take it daily.
Gastrointestinal side effects are the chief problem with iron supplements. Those supplements that use ferrous salts, which would be ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate are very much inferior to those that use polysaccharides- which are an iron complex form. Ferrous gluconate is 12% elemental iron, while ferrous sulfate is 20% and finally ferrous fumarate is 33%.
Ferrous salts have a much lower rate of assimilation and because they have low elemental iron levels you have to take more in dose or a number of pills each day. When you take in ferrous salts, they release in the stomach. This will cause an extreme amount of discomfort and side symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation, even pain in the stomach.
We here at RunnerClick know how annoying side effects can be, so we did our best to find iron supplements that rated low for side effects and negative drawbacks. We closely examined user reviews and feedback to find products that were safe and effective and easy to use. From stomach upset to bad aftertaste we wanted to present to you products that you could actually enjoy using rather than dreading.
We know it is important than your vitamins and supplements be easy to use and we wanted to take care of that for you with this review. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you are putting your needs and preferences at the forefront--so make sure you get something you know will be easy for you to take daily.
Effectiveness
You will have your pick of oral iron supplements that are available in many different preparations for oral consumption.
Most common, are ferrous salts and polysaccharide irons. Within every dose and every tablet or capsule, there will be different volumes of iron, and every type of iron has varying amounts of elemental iron. Elemental iron is the complete measure of iron in the supplement that is accessible for your body’s absorption. ferrous salts almost always cause an aftertaste while polysaccharides do not.
Ferrous salts actually have the ability to stain your teeth, were as you won’t’ have to worry about that with polysaccharides. For GI irritation, you could have none or just some occasional issues with polysaccharides, but you will definitely have them with ferrous salts and they can be severe.
Ferrous salts have a very low absorption rate while polysaccharides have a high rate of absorption. Above all else, you want your supplements to be effective. They need to work the way they are supposed to and give you the result that they promise. We worked hard to include only the best and most effective iron supplements available on our guide.
Taking a supplement that does not work is like throwing away money and no one wants to do that. We understand that you are looking to us for assistance finding the best products on the market and we take that responsibility seriously. That is why we hope this guide to iron supplements will be a help to you!
Best Iron Supplements
1. Nature Made
This brand of iron provides you with 65mg per tablet to keep you higher in the mineral than if you went without, and it is a great supplement to add to an already healthy diet. Nature Made Iron isn't meant to be your only source of iron, so it is suggested that you are still ingesting other forms through your diet. Read on to find out why we chose this tablet as our number one.
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Iron supplementation can cause an upset stomach after even just using for a little bit of time, let alone for the long term. Reviews have shown that this supplement can be a little rough on your stomach; however, if you consult a practitioner on best-ingesting methods, you can substantially reduce the annoyance of an upset stomach.
Compatibility
This supplement is made up of 65mg of iron, and it has no artificial flavors, preservatives, starch, yeast, and it is gluten-free.
Application
This is a fine supplement that comes from a reputable company and is widely used by many. It has shown excellent and stable market popularity of many reviewers and testers. For a basic tablet that you can add to an already decently healthy lifestyle and eating, this is the supplement for you. The cost is very fair for what you get.
Ease of Use
While this particular supplement may cause mild upset, it is still far less than many other brands on the market today. This is in part to high standards of production and quality of tablets that go into making a Nature Made Iron Tablet. It is suggested that you take this supplement with a meal, and this will reduce the mild upset of the tummy.
Effectiveness
This iron supplement is a great option for those of you looking for something to supplement a diet that you have altered to fit a diet that already has iron in it. If you are completely vegan or don't take in a lot of iron--or if you already have anemia or low iron--you won't get what you need from this iron supplement.
2. Pure Micronutrients
Pure Micronutrients makes an iron supplement that has a formulation which is geared at energy, immune health, reproductive health, cognitive functioning, and red blood cell formation. It is highly absorbable so it will provide results faster. It is gentle on the stomach and comes in an easy to swallow capsule.
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This supplement can be used by both men and women who need iron. Pregnant and lactating mothers can use this to supplement the growth and advancement of her baby. For those who have blood loss such as a woman during her menstrual cycle or anyone who has just had surgery, and those who have Anemia can make this easy to swallow capsule.
Compatibility
Pure Micronutrients offers its customers a “pure and natural” promise. They formulate their supplements without any magnesium stearate, dye, preservatives or artificial colors. They are also gluten, yeast, starch and dairy-free. They contain no GMOs as well as no binders or fillers.
Application
This company has high technology and research and quality ingredient standards. They use raw ingredients that they test independently for quality and purity before being used in manufacturing. The final products are tested for safety.
Ease of Use
For the most part, this iron supplement is easy to take. It is a gelatin capsule that can be a little difficult to take for some of you. But if you have trouble swallowing capsules, you may need to think twice about this one.
Effectiveness
Overall, this iron supplement is really effective and will dissolve into your bloodstream quickly. It will help you get your iron levels up and ensure you give your body what it needs.
3. Nature’s Bounty
Nature’s Bounty is formulated to support your body’s natural ability to manufacture red blood cells. They are gentle on the stomach. These capsules contain Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12. The 90 capsule bottles come in packs of 3.
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The attractive price and the formulation of ingredients will help your body absorb the supplement quicker so that it can get to work quicker. It is also made to be gentle on your stomach. It comes in a highly convenient capsule that appeals to anyone who has difficulty swallowing or doesn't like the taste/aftertaste of pills.
Compatibility
This is a great option for those of you looking for a supplement that is gentle on your stomach and that won't cause any unwanted issues--in fact, even pregnant moms can use this. However, if you are pregnant, make sure to check in with your doctor first.
Application
Easy to take and compatible with most people, you will love this one. It is easy to take and swallow and is works for almost all people.
Ease of Use
For those of you who must take large quantities of Iron, many opt to grind solid pills because they either have difficulty swallowing or don’t like the taste. These capsules will take the one extra step you need to take to get your iron in for the day out of the way. These capsules are easy to use.
Effectiveness
This pill will help your hemoglobin levels increase. The glycinate iron is much more easily absorbed into the body. This pill also is formulated with B12 and Vitamin C which, when used together, better help your body with absorption so this capsule can be very effective and fast-acting.
4. Garden of Life
Garden of Life pills offer 22mg of gentle whole food iron and are also formulated with vitamin C and B12 in addition to folate so your body can absorb better appropriate the supplement throughout your body. This supplement also provides you with raw probiotics to help with digestion.
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This pill will help you with your iron needs. It will also help you supplement your energy. But that’s not all, the formulation aids blood and heart health, immune health, reproductive health, eye health, and mental health.
Compatibility
The formulation includes vitamin B12 and vitamin C which helps you absorb faster. Folate and Iron, obviously, as well as a raw probiotic and enzyme blend. It also contains organic fruits and vegetables, vegetable cellulose, brewer’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Application
Garden of Life produces has a terrific reputation for producing incredible vitamins and supplements. This food and herbal based iron supplement are stomach-friendly, using raw probiotics to aid in digestion. It is perfect for vegans and vegetarians. A fully formulated iron supplement so you don’t have do add anything else on your own when you take this one.
Ease of Use
Those of you who don't have any issues with larger tablets or swallowing your supplements you will be fine with this. However, if you do have an issue swallowing larger tablets or capsules, you may need to think twice before you use this one.
Effectiveness
The best part about the Garden of Life iron supplements is that it is really effective. It absorbs quickly and helps give your body what you need to ensure you get the iron your body needs.
5. Solgar
The Solgar iron supplement uses vegetable capsules. Its formulation is sugar, salt, corn, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, dairy, preservative and artificial color and flavor-free. It is vegan and vegetarian-friendly and Solgar uses the highest of standards in formulating clean supplementation.
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It should also be said, reviews for this particular supplement may not appear on our corresponding website; however, this is a very solid brand that has a long commitment to health and good standing in the health community.
Compatibility
Many companies in the supplement industry deal with excessive spam marketing. That is super overwhelming, but Solgar doesn’t. Their reviews are real, not paid for with free and reduced-price incentives. High company integrity in business also leads to high integrity in product quality.
Application
Available in vegetable capsules, this iron supplement is really easy to use and take. If you want something simple, you will love this iron supplement.
Ease of Use
Formulated to be easy on the stomach, you’ll likely not have any of the side effects like constipation with this capsule. It is a perfect option for vegans and vegetarians as well. It will definitely help you raises your iron levels, and is formulated with a quality iron.
Effectiveness
This is a tiny pill, which is always nice. This little capsule needs only be taken once per day and you will see the results of increased iron. To make it absorb faster take vitamin C. There are many tasty vitamin C drinks that you could use to make taking this pill not just effective but yummy.
6. Renzo’s
Renzo’s iron supplement is made specifically for kids and they are formulated to taste good for them too. They are vegan tablets that melt in your mouth. They are designed to be gentle in little one’s tummies.
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Sugar is in everything, including some of our medicines. Sugar is the last thing we want in the supplement our children must-have. Not to mention, the sticky mess they can make. Additionally, with only natural flavors and sweeteners, they will still be appealing to children while approved by parents. The tabs won't leave you with syrupy faces and hands full of staining artificial dyes.
Compatibility
One of the best aspects of these pills is how they melt in the mouth, so there is no choking hazard to be worried about. The taste is geared towards picky children’s preferences while not using any sugar. Only natural flavors and sweeteners are used. These vegan, non-GMO tablets are gluten-free.
Application
This iron supplement is perfect for the kiddos because they taste great and melt in your mouth quickly and easily. Just make sure you give the kiddos the right dosage.
Ease of Use
Renzo’s is a family-friendly company from manufacturing to the final product and they pay attention to the details that will attract children. They use high-quality ingredients and make sure that they also take safety into account. There are a couple of cute extras you get along with this medicine that is safe and gentle for your little lovey
Effectiveness
Although these iron supplements are a great addition to your diet, they are really effective at supplementing your diet to give you the iron your body needs.
7. NOW
The NOW iron supplement uses ferrochel iron bis-glycinate. It has shown in clinical trials to offer top-notch absorption as well as it is well accepted and broken down in the body. It has been shown to be non-constipating. The supplement comes in small capsules measuring ¾” x ¼”.
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A natural product manufacturing company that considers a multitude of sustainable processes. They are a partner of TerraCycle, which is a recycling company located in the U.S. NOW’s relationship with Terracycle allows them to send toothpaste tubes, food and supplement pouches for recycling measures.
Compatibility
NOW is a solid company with good business ethics and standards. The ferronickel iron bis-glycinate is easily tolerable for people who have sensitive stomachs to iron supplementation. It’s greater bioavailability allows it to be much better absorbed than many other iron supplements. This supplement comes to you at an attractive price.
Application
NOW is family owned and they do not have any shareholders, it is all in house. Their niche is formulating natural health products at a fair price. They have long-standing relations with their suppliers and they put heavy investment into their research facilities and instruments so they can keep up with nutritional science and ensure quality is high.
Ease of Use
This iron supplement is really easy to use and is great for those of you who don't mind taking tablets or capsules.
Effectiveness
As far as effectiveness goes, this iron supplement is perfect for those of you looking to add some iron to your supplement to ensure you are giving your body the amount it needs.
8. MegaFood
MegaFood offers small tables that are easy to swallow and will do the work to help aid your red blood cell production and thus increase your iron. They are designed to help with increasing energy levels, and be easy on the stomach without causing constipation.
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These minis come in a smaller size. Yes, that means you have to take two pills instead of one. However, the benefit of taking two smaller pills is that it makes it so much easier for quick swallow without that burp problem. The original size is ¾ “ long by ⅜” wide and they are ⅜” thick. The minis, on the other hand, are ½” long by ¼” wide and ¼” thick.
Compatibility
This iron supplement is a great option for those of you looking for something to help you with your iron deficiency. However, just because it is effective doesn't mean it will work for everyone. If you have a weak stomach, you may want to hold out on this one.
Application
Available in small tablets, these are a great option for most people. It is easy to take and a perfect option for those of you looking for something you can easily take every day.
Ease of Use
These easy to swallow, smaller pills pack a punch. You will find great results with better quality sleep and then waking feeling much more refreshed. They will help your energy in the day and they are easy on the stomach, no constipation or nausea.
Effectiveness
If you have suffered from excessive and constant cramping after physical activity or long times sitting, these pills will help alleviate that problem. Many people who have anemia have this problem if they are sitting too long or should they just want to engage in a longer workout. This supplement can aid your workouts so they can be longer and your recovery times can be far less.
9. Zahlers
Zahler Iron Complex is one of our newest additions to this list, and it makes it on, because it is made with quality ingredients, doesn't upset your stomach, doesn't cause constipation, and is a quality addition to battling anemia or maintaining iron levels with ease.
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This supplement is made with a full spectrum complex formulation that battles all types of anemia, which can be caused by a lack of iron and folic acid. The ingredients and iron in this supplement pump up your red blood cells and is a wonderful addition to maintaining your iron levels.
Compatibility
Zahlers Iron is made with specially formulated and optimal ingredients that are both potent. However, just because it is potent, it doesn't mean that it will upset your stomach (quite the opposite).
Application
At around ten dollars a bottle, you really can't go wrong with purchasing and using this supplement. The real bonus of it all is that it doesn't upset your sensitive stomach.
Ease of Use
These iron supplements are really easy to use and you can easily take them whenever you need them--so you can make sure you can take it every day to ensure you get the iron you need.
Effectiveness
Because iron supplements have a bad rap for constipating those who take them, they often go left untouched, even though they can be very beneficial. And this is where Zahlers steps in. The quality formulation of iron is made containing an optimal amount of vitamin C. The vitamin C levels in this supplement helps you to remain comfortable and constipation free.
10. Slow Fe
Slow Fe iron supplements will help with iron deficiency with controlled delivery that will send quality iron that will also tend to be easy on the stomach in most cases. There are 45 mg of elemental iron in each tablet which equals 142 mg of ferrous sulfate. It comes to you in 3 packs of 30 tablets.
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This is an attractively priced iron supplement that is easy on the stomach for most people. Ordering and shipping are effortless, it will come on time every time. It is doctor recommended and will improve your ferritin count.
Compatibility
Perfect for most people, this supplement is highly effective and perfect for those of you looking for something that will be gentle on your stomach and not cause any issues.
Application
This supplement uses extended-release capsules, so it is important you do not crush or chew them. This is because you would be releasing all of the supplements at once and that could potentially lead to side effects.
Ease of Use
You should take this pill with a full glass of water about 8 oz. unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Remember to try not to lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking your dose.
Effectiveness
This supplement really rates well with those who battle Anemia. It won’t make you sick taking it for the long term and on a daily basis. It can build up your immune system and many doctors will recommend it to help supplement a healthful lifestyle.
Sources
- , What you Need to Know About Iron Supplements, Health and Wellness Website
- , How to Choose an Iron Supplement, Public Health Department
- , A Quick and Easy Guide to Choosing the Right Iron Supplement, Iron Informational Website
- , Choosing the Right Type of Iron Supplement for You, Informational Website
