10 Best Iron Supplements [Registered Dietitian-Reviewed]
Choosing the right iron supplement is crucial for addressing various needs, such as managing anemia, supporting pregnancy, or providing adequate iron for infants. With a multitude of options available, including liquids, pills, and chewables, selecting the best supplement can be overwhelming. Key considerations include the form of the supplement, such as liquid iron for infants and those with swallowing difficulties, or slow-release pills like Slow Fe for adults who require a steady absorption rate. Additionally, specific products like Vitron-C offer the added benefit of vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, making them an excellent choice for individuals with higher iron needs.
Quick List - Top Iron Supplement
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for over 25 years, Kathy has mastered numerous medical specialties and teaching methods: health promotion, counseling, academic teaching, endocrinology, psychiatry/mental health, supplements, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, aging, and alternative medicine. Experiences include: -Managing her own telehealth/nutrition consulting business -Directing a continuing education program for RDs and nurses -Consulting for long-term care regulatory affairs -Working with State and local health departments -Coordinating diabetes education programs Her experiences led her to reach people with life-changing information as a medical editor and writer. For over five years, Kathy has acquired increasingly complex roles. Passionate about the root causes of disease, she obtained her certification in Integrative Medicine and Functional Nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics three years ago. This series continues to influence her approach to writing.
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What Are Iron Supplements?
Iron supplements are dietary supplements used to increase the amount of iron in the body. Iron is a crucial mineral for various physiological functions, including growth, development, and hormone production. One of the primary roles of iron is in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron also plays a key role in making myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles, supporting their proper function and endurance.
Iron supplements are often recommended for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate levels of hemoglobin. This deficiency can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. These supplements are essential for individuals who cannot get enough iron from their diet alone, such as pregnant women, young children, and people with certain medical conditions.
Pregnant women, infants, young children, female athletes, menstruating women with heavy bleeding, frequent blood donors, and individuals with certain medical conditions are at high risk of iron deficiency and may benefit from iron supplements, though excessive intake should be avoided.
How to Choose Iron Supplements - Buying Guide
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best iron supplement for you.
Check the Dosage and Strength of the Medication
The actual dose to prevent deficiency is based on the strength of the medication and the individual's age and sex.
The specific dose required to prevent iron deficiency depends on the strength of the supplement and the individual’s needs. Severe anemia typically requires a higher dose of 65 mg of elemental iron three times daily, but such treatment should be monitored by a healthcare provider based on blood tests. It's important to avoid over-supplementation, as doses greater than 25 mg per day can interfere with zinc absorption and lead to side effects or drug interactions. Careful adherence to recommended dosages helps ensure the safe and effective use of iron supplements.
The recommended daily dose of elemental iron varies based on age, sex, and life stage: adult and teenage males should take about 10 mg/day, adult and teenage females 10-15 mg/day, pregnant females around 30 mg/day, children aged 4-10 years 10 mg/day, and infants up to 3 years 6-10 mg/day.
Choose the Category of Oral Iron That Best Suits Your Circumstance
Seek out iron supplements that give additional benefits or minimize side effects.
Pick Ferrous Sulfate if You Have Significant Iron Deficiency Anemia
The World Health Organization recommends ferrous sulfate as the first line of defense against iron deficiency anemia. This is because ferrous sulfate is inexpensive and effective.
Compared to other forms, ferrous sulfate offers a higher concentration of elemental iron per dose. However, it is known to cause more gastrointestinal side effects, which might not be tolerable for everyone. It is especially beneficial for those with severe iron deficiency who can manage the potential side effects with proper dietary adjustments or additional supplements to mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort.
For Higher Bioavailability and Less Side Effects, Opt for Iron Bisglycinate
The best supplement for those with gastrointestinal issues is iron bisglycinate, as it has fewer side effects.
Aside from being gentler on the digestive system, this form of iron is often better tolerated by people who experience nausea or constipation with ferrous sulfate. This is due to its different chemical structures, which can lead to a slower and more gradual absorption process in the body.
For a Safer Iron Supplement With Lower Risk of Toxicity, Select Carbonyl Iron or Slow-Release Tablets
Carbonyl iron is safer for people with peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, and slow-release iron preparations have been shown to be absorbed better than fast-acting.
Slow-release tablets can also help manage iron intake in the body. They have also shown better absorption than their fast-acting counterparts and fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
These are particularly suited for those with conditions like chronic kidney disease, where careful management of iron levels is crucial. Additionally, its safety profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone concerned about the potential toxicity of other iron supplements.
Choose a Form That Fits Your Lifestyle and Preferences
Make sure to pick the form that allows for a more manageable and pleasant intake for you.
Go for Tablets or Capsules if You Want a Convenient Option
Tablets and capsules are more convenient and safer for storing. They also don't stain your teeth like liquids do.
Seek Out Liquids or Chewables if You Prefer One That Is Easier to Ingest
Some resort to liquids and chewables for faster absorption, greater bioavailability, ease, and ingestion convenience.
For individuals with swallowing difficulties, especially those who have problems with thin liquids, mixing iron supplements into a suitable bolus of food can be a practical solution. In cases where this is not feasible, chewable iron supplements can provide an effective alternative. These options help ensure that those with swallowing issues can still meet their iron needs comfortably and safely.
Do be aware that toxic doses are more accessible to obtain with chewables and liquids.
10 Best Iron Supplement Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Serving Size | Type | Iron Dosage | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron Bisglycinate | Ferrous Gluconate | Additional Ingredients | Third-Party Certified | |||||
1 | Nature's Bounty Nature's Bounty｜Iron | | An Effective Solution to Iron Supplementation | 1 Tablet | Tablet | 65mg | Vegetable Cellulose, Crospovidone | |||||
2 | Thorne Iron Bisglycinate | | Gentle and Effective Iron Supplement | 1 Capsule | Capsule | 25mg | Hypromellose Capsule, Leucine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide | |||||
3 | Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C | | Boost Your Iron Absorption with Vitron-C | 1 Tablet | Tablet | 65mg | Vitamin C, Microcrystalline cellulose, Croscarmellose sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Silica | |||||
4 | Haleon Slow Fe｜Slow Release Iron Supplement | | A Reliable Solution for Steady Iron Absorption | 1 Tablet | Tablet | 45mg | Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Carbomer Homopolymer, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Magnesium Stearate, Tribasic Calcium Phosphate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyethylene Glycol, Talc, Titanium Dioxide | |||||
5 | 21st Century Slow Release Iron | | Consistent and Comfortable Iron Intake | 1 Tablet | Tablet | 45mg | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Dextrose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid. Contains <2% of: Artificial Colors, Dextrin, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Titanium Dioxide. | |||||
6 | Solgar Gentle Iron® Vegetable Capsules | | A Gentle, Non-Constipating Iron Solution | 1 Vegetable Capsule | Capsule | 25mg | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. | |||||
7 | MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement | | Whole-Food Iron Boost | 1 Tablet | Tablet | 26mg | Vitamin B12, Urganic Beetroot, Organic Brown Rice, Yeast [Inactive], Rice Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Hypromellose | |||||
8 | Floradix Iron & Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement | | Nourishing Liquid Iron Supplement | 10 mL | Liquid | 10mg | Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Iron, Aqueous Extract From Carrot Root, Stinging Nettle Herb, Spinach Leaves, Fennel Fruit, Couch Grass Root, Kelp, Hibiscus Flowers, Yeast Extract, Rose Hip Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Pear Juice Concentrate, Water, Grape Juice Concentrate, Black Currant Juice, Honey, Orange Juice Concentrate, Blackberry Juice Concentrate, Cherry Juice Concentrate, Red Beet Juice Concentrate, Ascorbic Acid and Natural Flavor. | |||||
9 | Renzo's Iron Strong | | Orange Flavored Melty Tabs | 1 Tablet (2 & 3 years of age), 2 Tablet (4 years of age and older) | Tablet | 9mg | Vitamin C, Mannitol, Natural Flavor, Plant-Based Magnesium Stearate, and Monk Fruit Extract. | |||||
10 | MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron | | A Liquid Iron Supplement for the Whole Family | 1 tsp to 1 tbsp | Liquid | 6 - 18mg | Purified Water, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Organic Rebaudioside A, Xanthan Gum, and Potassium Sorbate (to preserve freshness). | |||||
Nature's BountyNature's Bounty ｜ Iron
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 65mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
An Effective Solution to Iron Supplementation
Nature's Bounty emphasizes the quality and purity of its products, ensuring that its iron supplements are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Additionally, they are laboratory-tested and made with high-quality ingredients to provide optimal health benefits. With Nature's Bounty Iron 65mg ferrous sulfate, you can trust that you are getting a reliable and effective product to help meet your daily iron requirements.
| Additional Ingredients | Vegetable Cellulose, Crospovidone |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
ThorneIron Bisglycinate
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 25mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Capsule
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Gentle and Effective Iron Supplement
It is suitable for long-term use and ideal for those who have had difficulty tolerating iron supplements in the past. With rigorous testing for quality and potency, THORNE’s commitment to clean ingredients and scientifically-backed formulations ensures you receive the best support for your iron needs.
| Additional Ingredients | Hypromellose Capsule, Leucine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 65mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Boost Your Iron Absorption with Vitron-C
Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C is a high-potency iron supplement designed to enhance iron absorption and support overall health. Each tablet contains 65mg of elemental iron, combined with 125mg of vitamin C, which is scientifically proven to improve iron absorption. This powerful combination makes Vitron-C an ideal choice for individuals managing anemia, those with increased iron needs, or anyone looking to boost their iron levels effectively. The non-constipating formula ensures gentle digestion, making it suitable for daily use without the common discomfort associated with iron supplements.
Vitron-C is highly rated for its efficacy and ease of use. The tablets are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and do not contain artificial colors or preservatives, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you are anemic, pregnant, or simply in need of a reliable iron supplement, Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C is a trusted solution for optimal iron support.
| Additional Ingredients | Vitamin C, Microcrystalline cellulose, Croscarmellose sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Silica |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
HaleonSlow Fe ｜ Slow Release Iron Supplement
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 45mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
A Reliable Solution for Steady Iron Absorption
Slow Fe is praised for its ease of use and effectiveness in boosting iron levels without causing discomfort. The slow-release formula supports overall energy levels and combats fatigue, making it suitable for daily use. Whether you're addressing chronic iron deficiency or looking for a reliable supplement during pregnancy, Slow Fe provides a balanced and well-tolerated option to meet your iron needs.
| Additional Ingredients | Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Carbomer Homopolymer, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Magnesium Stearate, Tribasic Calcium Phosphate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyethylene Glycol, Talc, Titanium Dioxide |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
21st CenturySlow Release Iron
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 45mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Consistent and Comfortable Iron Intake
21st Century Slow Release Iron is appreciated for its effectiveness and gentle impact on the stomach. The supplement is ideal for individuals managing iron deficiency anemia or those requiring a steady iron source for overall health maintenance. With its slow-release formula, this supplement supports energy levels and combats fatigue, ensuring you stay active and healthy without the common drawbacks of iron supplementation.
| Additional Ingredients | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Dextrose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid. Contains <2% of: Artificial Colors, Dextrin, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Titanium Dioxide. |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
SolgarGentle Iron® Vegetable Capsules
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 25mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Vegetable Capsule
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
A Gentle, Non-Constipating Iron Solution
The product is also free from artificial additives, making it a natural choice for those who prefer clean supplements. Whether you are managing iron deficiency, supporting pregnancy, or simply aiming to maintain healthy iron levels, Solgar Gentle Iron® provides a gentle and effective solution for your daily needs.
| Additional Ingredients | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 26mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Whole-Food Iron Boost
MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement stands out with its commitment to using high-quality, whole-food ingredients to support healthy iron levels and overall vitality. Each tablet delivers 26 mg of easily absorbable iron, combined with a blend of organic beets, apples, and vitamin C to enhance iron absorption and boost energy levels. This supplement is designed to be gentle on the stomach, making it an excellent choice for those who experience gastrointestinal discomfort with other iron supplements.
Its natural formulation not only supports the body’s iron needs but also promotes overall well-being with added nutrients that aid in red blood cell production. Ideal for individuals managing anemia, pregnant women, or anyone seeking a reliable and gentle iron supplement, MegaFood Blood Builder provides a wholesome approach to maintaining optimal iron health.
| Additional Ingredients | Vitamin B12, Urganic Beetroot, Organic Brown Rice, Yeast [Inactive], Rice Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Hypromellose |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
FloradixIron & Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 10mg |
- Serving Size
- 10 mL
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Nourishing Liquid Iron Supplement
Its natural ingredients and pleasant taste make it easier to incorporate into daily routines. Ideal for those managing iron deficiency, pregnant women, or anyone seeking a holistic approach to boosting iron levels, Floradix provides a well-rounded solution that supports both iron absorption and overall health.
| Additional Ingredients | Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Iron, Aqueous Extract From Carrot Root, Stinging Nettle Herb, Spinach Leaves, Fennel Fruit, Couch Grass Root, Kelp, Hibiscus Flowers, Yeast Extract, Rose Hip Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Pear Juice Concentrate, Water, Grape Juice Concentrate, Black Currant Juice, Honey, Orange Juice Concentrate, Blackberry Juice Concentrate, Cherry Juice Concentrate, Red Beet Juice Concentrate, Ascorbic Acid and Natural Flavor. |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
Renzo'sIron Strong
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 9mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 Tablet (2 & 3 years of age), 2 Tablet (4 years of age and older)
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
Orange Flavored Melty Tabs
This dissolvable iron supplement from Renzo’s has dosing for 203-year-olds and children four and over. Each tablet contains 9mg of carbonyl iron and 25mg of Vitamin C. Users praise the supplement’s flavor, with many noting the difference it makes with picky children and the lack of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Instead, Renzo’s chose monk fruit extract as a healthier alternative.
| Additional Ingredients | Vitamin C, Mannitol, Natural Flavor, Plant-Based Magnesium Stearate, and Monk Fruit Extract. |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
MaryRuth’sLiquid Iron
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Iron Dosage | 6 - 18mg |
- Serving Size
- 1 tsp to 1 tbsp
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Bisglycinate
- Ferrous Gluconate
A Liquid Iron Supplement for the Whole Family
| Additional Ingredients | Purified Water, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Organic Rebaudioside A, Xanthan Gum, and Potassium Sorbate (to preserve freshness). |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Certified |
Top 5 Iron Supplement
No. 1: Nature's Bounty｜Nature's Bounty｜Iron
No. 2: Thorne｜Iron Bisglycinate
No. 3: Vitron-C ｜Iron Plus Vitamin C
No. 4: Haleon｜Slow Fe｜Slow Release Iron Supplement
No. 5: 21st Century｜Slow Release Iron
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.