10 Best Iron Supplements for Kids of 2024
In this article, we’ll guide you through the critical attributes of iron supplements and help you decide which is the best match for your child. Since we understand how busy life as a parent can get, we’ve also included a selection of our top iron supplements after the buying guide.
Quick List - Top Iron Supplements for Kids
Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC, is a Registered Dietitian with over 12 years of experience serving all ages across the lifespan, from critically ill neonates to aging populations. She holds a board certification in pediatric nutrition and serves as a subject matter expert on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics pediatric exam committee. She attended the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she received a Master’s in Dietetics and completed her Dietetic Internship.
With over a decade of weightlifting experience, Christopher Heffner is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys starting his day with a good workout. He also has a background in engineering and business, bringing a unique blend of technical knowledge and practicality to his endeavors.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- What Are the Benefits of Iron for Developing Children?
- How to Choose Iron Supplements for Kids
- Choose a Supplement That Fits Your Child’s Age to Ensure a Proper Dose1
- Look for Ferrous Iron for Better Absorption2
- Consider How Your Child Will Take the Supplement3
- Consider Iron Supplements With Added Vitamins to Maximize the Effects4
- Look for Third Party Testing and Certifications as a Sign of Quality5
- Causes and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
- Possible Side Effects
- More Essentials to Keep Your Kids Healthy
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
What Are the Benefits of Iron for Developing Children?
Iron plays a role in our body's ability to fight infection, and deficiency can lead to cognitive impairments.
How to Choose Iron Supplements for Kids
Choose a Supplement That Fits Your Child’s Age to Ensure a Proper Dose
Iron needs vary based on age and sex, so choosing an age-appropriate dose is vital.
Many supplements provide multiple dosage sizes depending on the number of drops or gummies administered, which can be helpful for parents looking for a single supplement that can be given to multiple children with proper dosing.
On the other hand, choosing a dosage for a different age group than your child runs the risk of the amount of iron they ingest being too low or too high. These nutritional needs depend significantly on the child's stage of development.
Look for Ferrous Iron for Better Absorption
Ferrous iron may be the preferred iron supplement because of its higher bioavailability.
When looking for any supplement, choosing a form the body can metabolize and use efficiently is essential. The fewer steps needed to metabolize a supplement within the body, the better. In the case of iron supplements, ferrous compounds are typically preferable. Katie Drakeford adds that Ferrous Sulfate and Ferrous Gluconate are two popular forms.
Ferrous Sulfate "has a higher bioavailability compared to other forms of iron supplements; thus your body can absorb more of the nutrients" and "Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate because it contains less elemental iron.
Consider How Your Child Will Take the Supplement
Gummy candies have added flavors and sugars that make them more appealing to children.
After age two, many children are ready to move to gummies and chewables. Drakeford adds, "Most children learn to start taking pills between the ages of 5 and 10, but the exact time your child may be ready is very individualized." She also suggested this resource for parents who believe their children are ready to try pills and capsules.
Consider Iron Supplements With Added Vitamins to Maximize the Effects
Adding a source of Vitamin C (like citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, etc) can help enhance iron absorption.
As with taking the proper form of iron, specific vitamins and minerals can also help the body utilize iron more efficiently. Our expert consultant has highlighted the following vitamins and minerals for your consideration:
Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption
Folic acid and B12 to "improve anemia in adolescent girls."
Drakeford adds, "Studies show that Vitamin A supplementation may improve hemoglobin and ferritin levels for people with low Vitamin A status."
Remember, consult your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your child's diet.
Look for Third Party Testing and Certifications as a Sign of Quality
Checking for a trusted brand with third-party testing gives insight into the safety, purity, and efficacy of the product.
10 Best Iron Supplements for Kids Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age Range | Iron Source | Supplement Form | Additional Vitamins | Third Party Certifications | Flavor | Iron per Serving | Servings per Container | |||||
1 | MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron | | A Liquid Iron Supplement for the Whole Family | 4 - 51 + Years | Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate | Liquid | Clean Label Project Certified, Certified B Corporation | Berry | 6 - 18mg | 90 Servings | ||
2 | Renzo's Iron Strong | | Orange Flavored Melty Tabs | 2 years of age and older | Carbonyl Iron | Tablet | Vitamin C | Zesty Orange | 9mg | 90 Servings | ||
3 | NovaFerrum YUMMY | | A Pediatric Supplement for Infants and Children Up To Four | Infants and children under 4 years of age | Polysaccharide-Iron Complex | Liquid | Certified Gluten Free | Raspberry Grape | 15mg | 120 Servings | ||
4 | Phytoral Kids Iron Gummies | | Grape Flavored Gummies for Kids Four and Older | 4 years of age and older | Ferrous Furamate | Gummies | Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc | GMP Lab Certified | Grape | 1.6mg | 60 Servings | |
5 | Vitamin Friends Kids Vegan Iron Gummies | | Allergen Free Gummies Containing Ferrous Fumarate and Made in America | 1 year of age and older | Ferrous Fumarate | Gummies | Vitamin A, C, B3, B6, B5, Folate, Biotin, Zinc | Certified Vegan | Strawberry | 5mg | 60 Servings | |
6 | Nature's Craft Kids Iron Gummies | | Lab-Tested Iron Gummies for Kids Over One | 1 year of age and older | Ferrous Fumarate | Gummies | Vitamin C, B12 and Folate | Certified Gluten Free | Grape | 5mg | 30 - 60 Servings | |
7 | Vegepower Iron Vegan Gummies | | 90 Vegan Gummies for Kids and Adults | 4 years of age and older | Ferrous Fumarate | Gummies | Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Niacin, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc | GMP-Certified | Peach | 5mg | 45 - 90 Servings | |
8 | LifeCentric Health Iron Gummies | | 100 Gummies Made in an FDA-Registered Facility | 4 years of age and older | Ferrous Fumarate | Gummies | Vitamin A, C, B3, B6, B12, B5, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc | Gluten Free | Grape | 10mg | 50 Servings | |
9 | LifeAble Iron and Vitamin C Gummies for Kids | | Gummies for Children as Young as Two | 3 years of age and older | Ferric Saccharate | Gummies | Vitamin C | Grape | 10mg | 45 Servings | ||
10 | MegaFood Blood Builder® Liquid Iron Once Daily, Orchard Fruit | | A Non-GMO Liquid Iron Supplement for Ages Four and Up | 4 years of age and older | Fermented Iron Bisglycinate | Liquid | Vitamin B12 | Non-GMO | Cherry, Apple and Pear | 8mg | 23 Servings | |
MaryRuth’sLiquid Iron
| Age Range | 4 - 51 + Years |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate |
- Supplement Form
- Liquid
- Additional Vitamins
- Third Party Certifications
- Clean Label Project Certified, Certified B Corporation
- Flavor
- Berry
A Liquid Iron Supplement for the Whole Family
| Iron per Serving | 6 - 18mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 90 Servings |
Renzo'sIron Strong
| Age Range | 2 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Carbonyl Iron |
- Supplement Form
- Tablet
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Third Party Certifications
- Flavor
- Zesty Orange
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.
| Iron per Serving | 9mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 90 Servings |
NovaFerrumYUMMY
| Age Range | Infants and children under 4 years of age |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Polysaccharide-Iron Complex |
- Supplement Form
- Liquid
- Additional Vitamins
- Third Party Certifications
- Certified Gluten Free
- Flavor
- Raspberry Grape
A Pediatric Supplement for Infants and Children Up To Four
| Iron per Serving | 15mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 120 Servings |
PhytoralKids Iron Gummies
| Age Range | 4 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Furamate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc
- Third Party Certifications
- GMP Lab Certified
- Flavor
- Grape
Grape Flavored Gummies for Kids Four and Older
| Iron per Serving | 1.6mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 60 Servings |
Vitamin FriendsKids Vegan Iron Gummies
| Age Range | 1 year of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Fumarate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin A, C, B3, B6, B5, Folate, Biotin, Zinc
- Third Party Certifications
- Certified Vegan
- Flavor
- Strawberry
Allergen Free Gummies Containing Ferrous Fumarate and Made in America
| Iron per Serving | 5mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 60 Servings |
Nature's CraftKids Iron Gummies
| Age Range | 1 year of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Fumarate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin C, B12 and Folate
- Third Party Certifications
- Certified Gluten Free
- Flavor
- Grape
Lab-Tested Iron Gummies for Kids Over One
| Iron per Serving | 5mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 30 - 60 Servings |
VegepowerIron Vegan Gummies
| Age Range | 4 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Fumarate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, Niacin, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc
- Third Party Certifications
- GMP-Certified
- Flavor
- Peach
90 Vegan Gummies for Kids and Adults
| Iron per Serving | 5mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 45 - 90 Servings |
LifeCentric HealthIron Gummies
| Age Range | 4 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferrous Fumarate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin A, C, B3, B6, B12, B5, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc
- Third Party Certifications
- Gluten Free
- Flavor
- Grape
100 Gummies Made in an FDA-Registered Facility
| Iron per Serving | 10mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 50 Servings |
LifeAbleIron and Vitamin C Gummies for Kids
| Age Range | 3 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Ferric Saccharate |
- Supplement Form
- Gummies
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Third Party Certifications
- Flavor
- Grape
Gummies for Children as Young as Two
| Iron per Serving | 10mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 45 Servings |
MegaFoodBlood Builder® Liquid Iron Once Daily, Orchard Fruit
| Age Range | 4 years of age and older |
|---|---|
| Iron Source | Fermented Iron Bisglycinate |
- Supplement Form
- Liquid
- Additional Vitamins
- Vitamin B12
- Third Party Certifications
- Non-GMO
- Flavor
- Cherry, Apple and Pear
A Non-GMO Liquid Iron Supplement for Ages Four and Up
| Iron per Serving | 8mg |
|---|---|
| Servings per Container | 23 Servings |
Causes and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
People who are deficient [in iron] may experience headaches, brittle or spoon-shaped nails, cold extremities, and decreased appetite.
There are multiple symptoms of iron deficiency in children, the most common of which impact physical growth and development as well as mental acuity. While some side effects, such as stunted growth, may take longer to see, others maybe more immediately apparent. The Mayo Clinic has more in-depth information available.
Possible Side Effects
More Essentials to Keep Your Kids Healthy
Check out these other must-haves to give your kids a boost.
Top 5 Iron Supplements for Kids
No. 1: MaryRuth’s｜Liquid Iron
No. 2: Renzo's｜Iron Strong
No. 3: NovaFerrum｜YUMMY
No. 4: Phytoral｜Kids Iron Gummies
No. 5: Vitamin Friends｜Kids Vegan Iron Gummies
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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