The 9 Best Iron Supplements of 2023

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily processes. Before recommending suitable iron supplements to you, it is important to understand the basics about iron.

In certain populations, there are factors that can contribute to a higher risk of iron deficiency. These factors include inadequate iron intake, impaired absorption, and increased iron needs. Iron deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.

The populations most commonly affected by iron deficiency include:

• Infants and children: Rapid growth and development during these stages increase the demand for iron.
• Athletes: Intense physical activity can result in higher iron requirements due to increased red blood cell production and iron losses through sweat.
• People with heavy menstrual bleeding: Women who experience heavy periods are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to the monthly blood loss.
• Pregnant individuals: Iron requirements increase during pregnancy to support the growing fetus and placenta.

Iron deficiency can cause several symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness

Types of Iron

For those in need of an iron supplement, the abundance of options can make choosing the right product a daunting task. Various types of iron supplements are available, each with its own characteristics and benefits.

The two most popular types of iron supplements are ferrous and ferric iron salts. These include ferric sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and ferric citrate. Among these, ferrous iron stands out due to its higher solubility, making it more bioavailable to the body. Bioavailability refers to the ease with which the body can absorb and utilize a substance.

In addition to ferrous and ferric iron salts, there are other forms of iron that you may come across, including:

• Heme Iron Polypeptides: This type of iron is derived from animal sources and is typically found in foods like meat, poultry, and fish. Heme iron is known for its excellent bioavailability, as it is easily absorbed by the body.
• Carbonyl Iron: Carbonyl iron consists of small particles of pure iron. It is highly bioavailable and is often used in iron supplements due to its gentle effect on the digestive system.
• Iron Amino Acid Chelates: These are compounds in which iron is bound to amino acids. Iron amino acid chelates are designed to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances.
• Polysaccharide-Iron Complexes: This type of iron supplement combines iron with polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates. Polysaccharide-iron complexes are formulated to optimize absorption while reducing the likelihood of GI discomfort.

Some forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate, are more likely to cause GI disturbances, including constipation, than other forms, such as iron bisglycinate chelate (1 Trusted Source
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How We Choose

Choosing the Right Iron Supplement: Our Criteria

• Quality: Look for supplements tested by third-party organizations for quality and purity.
• Iron type: Opt for supplements with easily absorbed forms of iron.
• Other nutrients: Ensure the supplements don’t contain nutrients that hinder iron absorption and may include ones that enhance it.
• Dose: Check if the supplements provide an effective iron dose.
• Price: Consider a variety of budget-friendly options.

Healthinch’s Picks of the Best Iron Supplements

Best Vegan Iron Supplement

MegaFood Blood Builder

Healthinch’s review

Best High-Dose Iron Supplement

Vitacook Iron 65 mg Tablet

Healthinch’s review

Best Iron Supplement with Vitamin C

Doctor’s Recipes Iron 65 mg

Healthinch’s review

Best Affordable Iron Supplement

Nature Made Iron 65 mg (325 mg Ferrous Sulfate) Tablets

Healthinch’s review

Best Iron Supplement for Anemia

Doctor’s Recipes Blood-Supporting Iron

Healthinch’s review

Best Iron Supplement for Sensitive Stomachs

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25 mg

Healthinch’s review

Best Slow-Release Iron Supplement

Slow Fe Iron Tablet

Healthinch’s review

Best Chewable Iron Supplement

Fusion Lifestyle Iron 45 mg

Healthinch’s review

Best Liquid Iron Supplement

MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron

Healthinch’s review

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do iron pills really work?
A: Yes, for most people. Oral iron supplements are usually the first choice for treating iron deficiency anemia. However, some people may need iron infusions if they don’t respond to oral iron or if their iron losses are too large to be treated with oral iron supplements.

Q: What is the best form of iron supplement to take?
A: This depends on your specific health needs. There are many forms of bioavailable iron on the market, including ferrous and ferric iron salts. Certain types of iron, such as ferrous bisglycinate chelate, are less likely to cause GI symptoms such as constipation than other forms, like ferrous sulfate.

Q: How can I boost my iron levels quickly?
A: It takes time to increase your iron levels, especially if your blood levels are low. If you have low iron, a healthcare professional can recommend a personalized treatment plan. Generally, iron deficiency anemia is treated with daily oral iron supplements for at least 3 months in order to replenish tissue iron stores.

Q: How much iron should I take in supplement form?
A: The amount of iron you may take will depend on your iron levels. For people with iron deficiency, the typical recommendation is to take iron in divided daily doses to reach 100–200 mg of elemental iron per day. However, it’s important never to take high dose iron pills unless recommended and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Q: Is it OK to take iron supplements every day?
A: Yes, it can be, for those who need it. Most people don’t need to take iron daily, and taking too much can lead to iron toxicity. However, people who have chronically low iron stores or inadequate dietary iron intake may need to take a daily iron supplement to maintain optimal iron levels.

Q: What can I take with iron supplements to avoid constipation?
A: There are a few ways you can avoid or ease constipation when taking iron supplements. You can try spreading the recommended dose into a few smaller doses throughout the day and staying hydrated. It’s also a good idea to start by taking half the recommended dose and slowly increase the amount over the course of a few days until you reach the recommended dose. Additionally, it’s helpful to consider the type of iron before purchasing a supplement. For example, ferrous sulfate is more likely to cause constipation than other forms, such as iron bisglycinate chelate. If you’re still experiencing constipation, a stool softener may be helpful. Just be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before trying this.

The Bottom Line

Iron is essential for oxygen transport and red blood cell formation. While it’s ideal to get enough iron from a diet rich in iron-rich whole foods, supplements may be necessary to meet daily iron needs. There are many types of iron supplements available, and they contain varying doses and forms of the mineral.

Before taking any new supplement, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Consider the factors mentioned above to help you choose a high-quality product and ensure safe and effective iron supplementation.