Top 5 Best Iron Supplements in 2024

Iron is a nutrient that our body requires in order to perform its functions in the most optimal way possible. It is vital for forming red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the body. Most individuals, especially women, children, and athletes, may not be able to meet the daily iron requirements in their bodies. This in turn may lead to issues such as fatigue, weakness and many other complications. That is why we have iron supplements for those people who want to increase their iron concentration in the body.

We devoted considerable efforts to searching for different types of iron supplements that are both effective and well-tolerated. These findings will help you to be able to choose a product that fully satisfies your needs.

Top 3 Best Iron Supplements

1. MegaFood Blood Builder
2. THORNE Iron Bisglycinate
3. Pure Encapsulations Iron-C

The following is a list of the most effective iron supplements we have chosen. These products can be rather useful in maintaining your iron levels and general well-being. Have a look at our list and see which option suits you best.

1. MegaFood Blood Builder

Our preferred choice is MegaFood Blood Builder because of the well-thought-out combination that will increase iron levels without rushing it through the body.

Pros

• Gentle on the stomach without side effects
• Contains additional nutrients like vitamin C and B12
• Made with real food ingredients

Cons

• Glass container can break during shipping
• Some may prefer flavored options
• Price is higher than some basic iron supplements

Our main concern was to find an iron supplement that did not cause irritation to the stomach and this product met our expectations. Unlike most other products that we have attempted to use before, it is easy to take and does not cause bad breath.

It is good to have added ingredients. This is much more than plain iron with added vitamin C and beetroot. The vitamins function synergistically to help maintain proper red blood cell formation. Also, we found that when we took it daily it was very effective in maintaining our iron levels.

A few downsides exist. The glass jar is good for storage and visually pleasing; however, it is fragile. There have been some concerns regarding that during the transportation process. Additionally, for those who prefer flavored supplements, this one is unflavored, which may not be well-liked by everyone. In conclusion, it is a good purchase for anyone who wants a reliable iron supplement.

2. THORNE Iron Bisglycinate

Everyone could benefit from taking this iron supplement because it enhances energy and general health.

Pros

• Well-absorbed formula that helps avoid stomach issues.
• Supports energy levels and reduces fatigue.
• Trusted by professional athletes and teams.

Cons

• Some may find the price higher than other options.
• Not flavored, which might not appeal to everyone.
• The capsule size may be too large for some to swallow easily.

THORNE Iron Bisglycinate is an effective iron supplement that does not cause any discomfort like most other iron supplements. This ensures that each capsule has 25 mg of elemental iron, which is a single dose in a solid form. As compared to other products we have tested, it has no side effect such as nausea or stomach upset.

For instance, we felt our energy level change after taking this supplement. This improvement in our iron levels made tasks that would have ordinarily been tiresome much more bearable. It also seems to have benefits in conditions related to low iron, including feeling weak or being tired often. We also like that it is NSF Certified for Sport, which makes the product safe and of high quality.

It is slightly on the costly side compared to other brands but considering the quality and the performance of the product, it is worth it for us. It is very convenient to take the capsules, and we did not experience any unpleasant tastes or flavors. A flavored supplement might not be available for those who might prefer it, although in our view, this is a small price to pay.

3. Pure Encapsulations Iron-C

We recommend Pure Encapsulations Iron-C due to its efficient iron support that is backed up by Vitamin C.

Pros

• Contains highly absorbable iron forms.
• Supports red blood cell production effectively.
• Free from common allergens and unnecessary additives.

Cons

• May need to take multiple capsules daily.
• Some users might prefer a different form, like liquid.
• A bit pricier than some other options.

The proportion between 15 mg of iron and 175 mg of vitamin C for absorption looks good. The fact that it is taken with meals means it can easily be incorporated in our diets.

The capsules are small and do not upset my stomach unlike other forms of iron supplements that I have tried before. We have also noted that it does not give our stools a black color as most iron supplements do. This has made us trust its quality more.

In conclusion, Pure Encapsulations Iron-C is one of the most beneficial supplements due to its list of ingredients and ability to positively impact iron levels. This is a good iron supplement if you need a new brand to use.

4. Active Iron Supplement

For those who want to take a gentle approach to increasing their Iron intake, we suggest the Active Iron High Potency Iron Supplement.

Pros

• Excellent absorption without harsh side effects
• Gentle on the stomach, no constipation
• Suitable for various lifestyles and diets

Cons

• No flavor options available
• Not everyone feels immediate results
• Packaging could be clearer with information

The first thing that was noticeable was how tasty and simple it was to take these capsules. They became part of our daily meals, and we loved the fact that none of them caused any bad taste in our mouths.

Another great feature is that these iron capsules did not produce any side effects on the digestive system. For most iron supplements, one experiences problems in the stomach but with Active Iron, we were comfortable taking it without food. This is advantageous, particularly to those who have found their stomachs irritated by other brands of the same product.

We also appreciated the fact that these capsules work for athletes and people with certain dietary preferences. This is quite comforting, especially knowing that Active Iron can boost energy and the immune system without the negative side effects usually observed with iron supplements. For those who need an iron increase, this product could be just the thing.

5. Active Iron for Women

We believe this iron supplement can be a good choice for women who seek to increase their iron intake without the unwanted side effects.

Pros

• Easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach
• Provides both iron and essential vitamins
• Designed for better absorption than regular iron tablets

Cons

• Some customers reported damaged packaging upon arrival
• A few users experienced mild side effects
• Not everyone saw improvement in iron levels

What we discovered was that Active Iron for Women provides a nice combination of high potency iron and essential vitamins. It appears that this combination works well in boosting energy and immunity. The easy to swallow capsules have made the daily regimen much more manageable.

Compared to other types of iron supplements that we have taken in the past, we feel less bloated in the stomach when using this product. The non-constipating formula is quite a significant feature. It can be taken by many people without making them experience the feeling of bloating or nausea.

Still, there were some complaints concerning the poor packaging and several users experienced slight side effects. While some of the participants had higher levels of iron content in their blood, others did not. In summary, we think it is useful to wonder if you require an iron boost.

Buying Guide

here are certain points that need to be considered while selecting the best iron supplement. All these factors assist us in choosing a product that meets our needs and is safe for use.

Types of Iron

Iron supplements are available in various forms. Here are the most common types:

• Ferrous sulfate
• Ferrous gluconate
• Ferrous fumarate

Each type may have different absorption rates and side effects.

Dosage

It is necessary to be cautious with the daily doses of iron in different supplements. It depends on age and gender It is also referred to as the recommended daily intake. A typical dosage is 18 mg for females and 8 mg for males who are more than 18 years old. Always check the label.

Absorption and Additives

There are some supplements like vitamin C that assists our body in the absorption of iron. Look for other ingredients such as herbal extracts or additional fillers. We should avoid products with added preservatives or chemicals as much as possible.

Side Effects

Side effects of iron supplements may include nausea or constipation. In this case, try to look for slow release formulas or formulas that contain fewer side effects.

Allergens and Sensitivities

The allergens need to be checked. It is important to note that some of the iron supplements have dairy, gluten, or soy ingredients. We should decide in favor of those options that would suit our diet requirements.

Price and Value

Last but not least, prices should also be compared. On certain occasions, high costs signify low quality. Let’s try to develop a strategy with reasonable costs and reasonable effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most effective iron supplements for treating anemia?

The most popular supplements include ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. These forms of iron are easily absorbed and are commonly prescribed by physicians for the management of anemia.

Which iron supplements are recommended for women, particularly during pregnancy?

For pregnant women, ferrous sulfate is recommended as it provides a higher amount of iron needed by the body. Other alternatives such as slow-release formulations are also helpful since they do not have adverse effects.

How can one manage to take iron supplements for anemia without experiencing constipation?

To prevent constipation, we can use supplements with the foods we consume and also ensure we take a lot of water. We may also opt for a reduced amount or use iron in a form that is less likely to upset the stomach such as liquid iron.

Are there specific iron supplements tailored for men's health needs?

It is normal for men to require less iron as compared to women of the same age. A better product could be ferrous sulfate or chelated iron but it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare provider to get the appropriate product to use.

Can you suggest iron supplements that are suitable for vegetarians and provide adequate absorption?

For vegetarians, options include iron bisglycinate or ferrous gluconate. These forms are actively transported across membranes and many of them originate from plants, which makes them safe for vegetarians.

What type of iron supplements are best for individuals with sensitive stomachs?

For those with sensitive stomach issues, we can opt for non-iron such as the iron bisglycinate or liquid iron. These options are recognized to cause minimal gastrointestinal side effects and are less cumbersome to the stomach.