Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Capsules is our pick for the best iron supplement. But there are many others that may work for you. See our dietitian’s top choices.
Share on PinterestA quick look at the best iron supplements
- Best overall iron supplement: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Capsules | Skip to review
- Best multivitamin with iron: Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin | Skip to review
- Best iron with vitamin C: Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C Capsules | Skip to review
- Best vegan iron supplement: MegaFood Blood Builder Capsules | Skip to review
- Best affordable iron supplement: Nature Made Iron 65mg Tablets | Skip to review
- Best chewable iron: Klaire Labs Chewable Iron Chelate | Skip to review
- Best iron for sensitive stomachs: Pure Encapsulations Iron Liquid | Skip to review
- Best iron supplement for pregnancy: FullWell Iron Bump | Skip to review
- Best iron supplement for kids: Mary Ruth's Toddler Iron Organic Liquid Drops | Skip to review
Your body depends on iron for vital processes, such as oxygen transportation, hormone production, growth, and neurological development.
Most people can get all the iron they need by eating a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet. But if you have inadequate iron intake, increased need, or impaired absorption, you may be at risk of low iron levels and iron deficiency anemia.
If a healthcare professional recommends supplemental iron, you might consider the following options vetted by Healthline’s medical and nutrition experts.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.20 per serving
- $$ = $0.20 to $0.40 per serving
- $$$ = over $0.40 per serving
Healthline’s picks for the best iron supplements
Best overall iron supplement
Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Capsules
4.5 (40+) from Thorne- Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This iron-only supplement is an excellent choice for treating low iron stores, made by one of the most reputable supplement brands.
Each capsule packs 139% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron in the form of ferrous bisglycinate chelate — a type of iron that’s easy for your body to absorb and less likely to cause GI side effects than other forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate.
The product is also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s free of substances that have been banned by most sports organizations and is therefore safe for athletes.
Additionally, Thorne’s facilities are verified by multiple international third-party organizations, including the Therapeutic Goods Administration, a regulatory agency run by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Pros & cons
- contains a type of iron likely to cause GI side effects
- trusted by healthcare professionals
- third-party verified
- NSF Certified for Sport
- gluten-free
- free of artificial colors and flavors
- can be difficult to find at local stores
- not suitable for people following a vegan diet
- contains a type of iron likely to cause GI side effects
- trusted by healthcare professionals
- third-party verified
- NSF Certified for Sport
- gluten-free
- free of artificial colors and flavors
- can be difficult to find at local stores
- not suitable for people following a vegan diet
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): Ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelate 25 mg (139% DV)
- Returns: free returns within 45 days
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50+
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): Ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelate 25 mg (139% DV)
- Returns: free returns within 45 days
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50+
Best multivitamin with iron
Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin
4.6 (839+) from Ritual- Form: capsule
- Dose: 2 capsules per day
- Certifications: USP verified, non-GMO verified, Made Traceable
- Price: $$$
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SHOP NOW AT RITUALHealthline's review
- Why we chose it: This multivitamin contains iron alongside other important nutrients, and is designed for people looking to fill gaps in their diets.
The mint-scented capsules contain iron bisglycinate, which may be easier to absorb and cause less GI distress than other types of iron.
Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+ also includes several nutrients that you may have difficulty getting enough of from food alone, such as:
- vitamin D
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- folate
Unlike many other multivitamins, it doesn’t contain calcium, which can interfere with iron absorption.
But it lacks several nutrients that people following a vegan diet might not get enough of, including iodine and zinc. It’s also low in magnesium and doesn’t contain vitamin C or many B vitamins other than folate and B12.
Pros & cons
- easily absorbed form of iron
- also contains vitamin D, DHA, and folate
- free of gluten and major allergens
- third-party tested
- vegan-friendly
- not a comprehensive multivitamin — missing several key nutrients
- covers only 44% of iron needs, which may not be enough for some people with low iron
- easily absorbed form of iron
- also contains vitamin D, DHA, and folate
- free of gluten and major allergens
- third-party tested
- vegan-friendly
- not a comprehensive multivitamin — missing several key nutrients
- covers only 44% of iron needs, which may not be enough for some people with low iron
Product details
- Number of servings: 30 per bottle
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin D3 50 mcg (250% DV), vitamin E 6.7 mg (45% DV), folate 1,000 mcg DFE (250% DV), vitamin B12 8 mcg (333% DV), iron 8 mg (44% DV), magnesium 30 mg (7% DV), boron 0.7 mg, omega-3 DHA 330 mg, vitamin K2 90 mcg
Women-Founded
- Number of servings: 30 per bottle
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin D3 50 mcg (250% DV), vitamin E 6.7 mg (45% DV), folate 1,000 mcg DFE (250% DV), vitamin B12 8 mcg (333% DV), iron 8 mg (44% DV), magnesium 30 mg (7% DV), boron 0.7 mg, omega-3 DHA 330 mg, vitamin K2 90 mcg
Women-Founded
Best iron with vitamin C
Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C Capsules
4.6 (1.1k+) from Amazon- Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Certifications: certified gluten-free
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This supplement combines iron and vitamin C to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients.
Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C contains 28 milligrams (mg) of iron bisglycinate, plus it has 100 mg of vitamin C, which may help improve absorption.
Combining iron with vitamin C is often advised to improve nutrient absorption. Instead of taking separate supplements, this allows you to take one convenient capsule.
Pure Encapsulations products are produced in a CGMP-certified facility and are tested by third-party laboratories.
Pros & cons
- high quality standards
- contains vitamin C
- third-party tested
- certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- vegan
- may be difficult to find at local stores
- high quality standards
- contains vitamin C
- third-party tested
- certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- vegan
- may be difficult to find at local stores
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin C 100 mg (111% DV), calcium 11 mg (1% DV), iron bisglycinate 28 mg (165% DV)
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin C 100 mg (111% DV), calcium 11 mg (1% DV), iron bisglycinate 28 mg (165% DV)
Best vegan iron supplement
MegaFood Blood Builder Capsules
4.8 (400+) from MegaFood- Form: tablet
- Dose: 1 tablet per day
- Certifications: certified gluten-free, certified vegan, glyphosate residue-free
- Price: $$$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This supplement targets important nutrients that vegans may be more likely to experience deficiencies of.
MegaFood Blood Builder provides 26 mg of iron in the form of iron bisglycinate, as well as 15 mg of vitamin C for improved absorption.
It also offers folate and B12, both of which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells.
MegaFood Blood Builder is certified vegan and non-GMO. The supplement is also tested for over 125 pesticides in MegaFood’s in-house laboratory.
MegaFood supplements hold third-party certifications, including Certified B Corporation, Certified Glyphosate Residue Free.
However, they are not third-party tested for quality or potency.
Pros & cons
- NSF-certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- certified vegan
- third party-verified glyphosate residue-free
- expensive
- not third-party tested for potency
- NSF-certified gluten-free
- non-GMO verified
- certified vegan
- third party-verified glyphosate residue-free
- expensive
- not third-party tested for potency
Product details
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin C 15 mg (17% DV), folic acid 680 mcg (170% DV), vitamin B12 30 mcg (1250% DV), iron bisglycinate 26mg (144% DV)
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin C 15 mg (17% DV), folic acid 680 mcg (170% DV), vitamin B12 30 mcg (1250% DV), iron bisglycinate 26mg (144% DV)
Best affordable iron supplement
Nature Made Iron 65mg Tablets
4.5 (39+) from CVS- Form: tablet
- Dose: 1 tablet per day
- Certifications: USP verified
- Price: $
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This is the lowest cost option on our list, providing a high iron content at a low price.
Nature Made boasts 65 mg of iron per capsule — that’s 361% of the DV for iron, or the equivalent of 325 mg of ferrous sulfate.
Ferrous sulfate is a common form of supplemental iron with high solubility, meaning that it releases iron ions faster and is therefore easier to absorb.
However, this form of iron is more likely than other forms to cause GI side effects, such as constipation.
The product is verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a third-party organization that tests for aspects of quality such as:
- purity
- potency
- performance
What our tester says
<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I have a history of anemia and have taken this product for about 10 years or so. It doesn't cause me any GI issues, and the pills are small and easy to swallow. They don't have any metallic taste or smell. "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":256,"11":3}">“I have a history of iron-deficiency anemia and took this product for about 10 years or so.
“While I ultimately switched to a vegan-friendly brand, I did like this product because it didn’t cause me any GI issues, the pills were small and easy to swallow, and it didn’t have any taste or smell. I also liked that it was USP verified.
Another pro is that Nature Made products are affordable and easy to find in stores. It was convenient for me to be able to pick this up at the grocery store or at Target when out running errands.”
— Chelsea Logan, Healthline Senior Editor
<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I have a history of anemia and have taken this product for about 10 years or so. It doesn't cause me any GI issues, and the pills are small and easy to swallow. They don't have any metallic taste or smell. "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":256,"11":3}">“I have a history of iron-deficiency anemia and took this product for about 10 years or so.
“While I ultimately switched to a vegan-friendly brand, I did like this product because it didn’t cause me any GI issues, the pills were small and easy to swallow, and it didn’t have any taste or smell. I also liked that it was USP verified.
Another pro is that Nature Made products are affordable and easy to find in stores. It was convenient for me to be able to pick this up at the grocery store or at Target when out running errands.”
— Chelsea Logan, Healthline Senior Editor
Pros & cons
- provides a higher dose of iron
- affordable
- no artificial flavors or colors
- gluten-free
- third-party tested
- may cause GI side effects such as constipation
- not suitable for those following a vegan diet
- provides a higher dose of iron
- affordable
- no artificial flavors or colors
- gluten-free
- third-party tested
- may cause GI side effects such as constipation
- not suitable for those following a vegan diet
Product details
- Number of servings: 180 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferrous sulfate 65 mg (361% DV)
- Number of servings: 180 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferrous sulfate 65 mg (361% DV)
Best chewable iron
Klaire Labs Chewable Iron Chelate
4.2 (70+) from Amazon- Form: chewable tablet
- Dose: 1 tablet per day
- Certifications: non-GMO
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: These chewable tablets have a sweet cherry flavor but are lower in added sugar than other edible iron supplements.
Much like liquid supplements, chewable supplements are a convenient way to take your vitamins and minerals.
Klaire Labs Chewable Iron Chelate provides 30 mg of elemental iron as trisglycinate chelate, which is a highly absorbable form of iron.
The tablets have a natural cherry flavor and contain less added sugar than many other chewable supplements on the market.
Klaire Labs supplements are manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities. However, this supplement has not been third-party tested to confirm that the contents match what’s listed on the label.
Pros & cons
- good choice if you can’t tolerate liquids or pills
- free from major allergens
- free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- non-GMO
- vegetarian-friendly
- not third-party tested for purity and potency
- expensive
- good choice if you can’t tolerate liquids or pills
- free from major allergens
- free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- non-GMO
- vegetarian-friendly
- not third-party tested for purity and potency
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 100 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferric trisglycinate chelate 30 mg (167% DV)
- Number of servings: 100 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferric trisglycinate chelate 30 mg (167% DV)
Best iron for sensitive stomachs
Pure Encapsulations Iron Liquid
4.5 (208+) from Amazon- Form: liquid
- Dose: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per day
- Certifications: certified gluten-free
- Price: $$$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This liquid supplements uses a form of iron that is less likely to cause stomach issues or digestive discomfort.
cPure Encapsulations Iron Liquid provides 15 mg of iron per 1-teaspoon (5-milliliter [mL]) serving in the form of SunActive Fe, a form of iron with high bioavailability that’s well tolerated and doesn’t cause GI issues.
This makes Pure Encapsulations Iron Liquid a good alternative for people who experience GI side effects, such as constipation when taking iron salts.
It also contains a blend of cranberry and wild blueberry extract, which is meant to provide antioxidant support.
Pure Encapsulation states that it exceeds standards set by USP, and its products are tested by third-party laboratories for quality and purity.
Pure Encapsulations Iron Liquid is sweetened with apple juice concentrate and flavored with natural pomegranate flavor.
Pros & cons
- good option for those who can't tolerate iron salts
- gluten-free
- vegetarian-friendly
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- no information regarding nutrition breakdown, including sugars
- expensive
- good option for those who can't tolerate iron salts
- gluten-free
- vegetarian-friendly
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- no information regarding nutrition breakdown, including sugars
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 24 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferric pyrophosphate 15 mg (83% DV)
- Number of servings: 24 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferric pyrophosphate 15 mg (83% DV)
Best iron supplement for pregnancy
FullWell Iron Bump
5 (2+) from FullWell- Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
- Price: $$$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This supplements is designed to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy, while being easy to digest. FullWell also offers it in bundles with other important pregnancy nutrients, such as omega-3s.
Known for its dietitian-designed prenatal vitamin, FullWell is a woman-owned supplement company with products to support you throughout your reproductive journey.
While you can take it even if you aren’t pregnant, FullWell Iron Bump is our pick for the best iron supplement during pregnancy. This is due to its easy-to-digest formulation and option to purchase it in a bundle along with the brand’s prenatal and fish oil supplements.
Iron Bump provides more than 100% of the DV for iron in the form of ferrous bisglycinate, which is less likely to cause constipation. Each 1-capsule serving also includes vitamin C for optimal absorption.
<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"FullWell supplements are third-party tested to confirm purity and potency. Whats more, testing results are publicly available on the company’s website. Read more in our Fullwell prenatal brand review"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":14593,"3":{"1":0,"3":1},"11":4,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0}{"1":169,"2":{"2":{"1":2,"2":0},"3":"Calibri","4":11,"9":1}}">FullWell supplements are third-party tested to confirm purity and potency. What’s more, testing results are publicly available on the company’s website.
<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"FullWell supplements are third-party tested to confirm purity and potency. Whats more, testing results are publicly available on the company’s website. Read more in our Fullwell prenatal brand review"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":14593,"3":{"1":0,"3":1},"11":4,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0}{"1":169,"2":{"2":{"1":2,"2":0},"3":"Calibri","4":11,"9":1}}">Read more in our Fullwell prenatal brand review.
Pros & cons
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- formulated to minimize GI discomfort
- includes vitamin C for better iron absorption
- one-a-day formulation
- only available on FullWell's website
- expensive
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- formulated to minimize GI discomfort
- includes vitamin C for better iron absorption
- one-a-day formulation
- only available on FullWell's website
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferrous bisglycinate 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin C 50 mg (56%), organic proprietary blend (beet root powder, broccoli powder, carrot root powder, dandelion extract, nettle extract) 150 mg
Women-Founded
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): ferrous bisglycinate 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin C 50 mg (56%), organic proprietary blend (beet root powder, broccoli powder, carrot root powder, dandelion extract, nettle extract) 150 mg
Women-Founded
Best iron supplement for kids
Mary Ruth's Toddler Iron Organic Liquid Drops
4.6 (946+) from Amazon- Form: liquid
- Dose: 30 drops (1 mL)
- Certifications: USDA organic
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
- Why we chose it: This liquid supplement has a sweet grape flavor to appeal to kids, and a lower iron content than adult iron supplements.
Some kids aren’t able to meet their iron needs through diet alone. Inadequate iron intake is the most common cause of low iron levels in kids, but health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease can lead to iron deficiency, too.
If your child does need extra iron in their diet, it’s important to choose a children’s iron supplement. These contain lower doses of iron than adult supplements.
Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Iron Liquid Drops contain 3.5 mg of iron from ferrous bisglycinate chelate, which covers 50% of the DV for 1- to 3-year-olds. You can also increase the dose for older children, making it a convenient choice for parents who have more than one child with increased iron needs.
Ferrous bisglycinate chelate is a good choice for kids, as it’s less likely to cause digestive side effects, like constipation, compared with other forms of iron, like ferrous sulfate.
This liquid product is designed to be easy for kids to swallow with its sweet grape flavor. However, it’s important to check with your child’s pediatrician before giving them an iron supplement. Kids are much more susceptible to iron toxicity than adults, and giving them unnecessary supplemental iron can be dangerous.
Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Iron Liquid Drops is certified organic and Clean Label Project-certified. Clean Label Project-certified products are third-party tested for over 200 contaminants and toxins, including pesticides and heavy metals like mercury, so you can rest assured you’re giving your child a safe supplement.
This product is also free from gluten, tree nuts, and dairy, making it a good choice for kids with food allergies.
Pros & cons
- third-party tested for contaminants
- formulated to minimize GI discomfort
- certified organic
- kid-friendly iron dose
- easy for kids to tolerate
- expensive
- third-party tested for contaminants
- formulated to minimize GI discomfort
- certified organic
- kid-friendly iron dose
- easy for kids to tolerate
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): iron (as ferrous bisglycinate chelate) 3.5 mg
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): iron (as ferrous bisglycinate chelate) 3.5 mg
Comparison of the best iron supplements
ProductPriceRecommended dose% of DVType of ironThird-party tested$$1 capsule139%ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelateyesRitual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin$$$ 2 capsules44%iron bisglycinateyesPure Encapsulations $$1 capsule165%iron bisglycinateyesMegaFood Blood Builder$$$1 tablet144%iron bisglycinatenoNature Made Iron$1 tablet361%ferrous sulfateyesSFI Health Chewable Iron Chelate$$1 chewable167%ferrochel ferric trisglycinate chelatenoPure Encapsulations Iron Liquid$$$1 tsp83%ferric pyrophosphateyesFullWell Iron Bump$$$1 capsule139%ferrous bisglycinateyesMary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Iron Liquid Drops$$30 drops50% (1- to 3-year-olds)ferrous bisglycinate chelateyesHow we chose the best iron supplements
- Quality: The iron supplements are tested for quality and purity, ideally by a third-party organization.
- Iron type: The supplements contain easily absorbed forms of iron.
- Other nutrients: The supplements are free of nutrients that impair iron absorption and may contain nutrients that enhance absorption.
- Dose: The supplements contain an effective dose of iron.
- Price: We included products to suit a variety of budgets.
- Forms: We included iron supplements in several forms, including liquids and chewables, to suit different preferences and tolerances.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the vitamin brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
Iron: What you need to know
Iron is an essential mineral present in:
- Hemoglobin: This protein transports oxygen from your lungs to your tissues.
- Myoglobin: This is another protein that carries and stores oxygen for your muscles.
Iron is also essential for:
- brain cell development
- physical growth
- hormone synthesis
- muscle metabolism
To support these important processes, your body needs a steady supply of iron from your diet.
Iron exists in two forms in nature:
- Heme iron: This iron is found in animal-derived foods. The human body readily absorbs it.
- Non-heme iron: This form is found in plant-based and iron-fortified foods. The body doesn’t absorb it as well as it does heme iron.
You can also take iron supplements. Iron supplements may be necessary for people who don’t get enough iron in their diet and those with increased iron needs.
Types of iron
For people who need an iron supplement, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, not to mention different forms and doses.
Supplemental iron comes in different forms, including:
- ferrous sulfate
- ferrous fumarate
- ferrous bisglycinate
- ferrous gluconate
While all these forms can effectively raise iron levels, some are a bit harder on your digestive system.
For example, ferrous sulfate is one of the most common forms of iron. But it’s more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and constipation.
Meanwhile, ferrous bisglycinate is highly absorbable and unlikely to cause side effects. Ferrous bisgycinate chelate is often considered one of the best-tolerated iron supplements.
Additionally, iron supplements come in various doses, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Taking higher doses of iron — 45 mg or more per day — is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects than lower doses.
Here’s a more in-depth overview of the types of iron you might find in popular supplements, including their bioavailability, affordability, and side effects:
FormBioavailabilityAffordabilitySide effects Iron bisglycinatechelate highly absorbable a bit more expensive than other forms of ironminimal gastrointestinal side effects compared with ferrous sulfateFerrous sulfatewell-absorbedinexpensivein high doses, may cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipationFerric sulfateless bioavailable than iron bisglycinate chelate and ferrous sulfate inexpensivein high doses, may cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipationFerrous fumarate well absorbedinexpensivein high doses, may cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation
Who should take iron supplements?
People with adequate iron stores should aim to meet their iron needs through foods rather than supplements. However, you might need an iron supplement if you:
- are treating an existing iron deficiency
- have low iron stores
- are trying to maintain healthy iron levels
People at risk of developing an iron deficiency who may benefit from an iron supplement include:
- infants and kids
- pregnant people
- people with heavy menstrual bleeding
- people with certain forms of cancer, such as colon cancer
- people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease
- people with heart failure
- people who frequently donate blood
- athletes
Warning about iron and children
Health experts do not recommend giving an iron supplement to your child unless a healthcare professional directs you to do so. Children are more susceptible to iron toxicity than adults.
Some people with iron deficiency anemia may need iron infusions if:
- oral iron supplementation does not work
- their bodies can’t properly absorb iron
- their iron losses are too great to be treated with oral supplements
Overall, it’s wise to talk with a healthcare professional to find out whether an iron supplement is right for you.
How to take iron supplements
The typical treatment for iron deficiency anemia is taking daily oral iron supplements for at least 3 months to replenish iron stores.
Healthcare professionals may recommend some people continue to take iron supplements even after their hemoglobin levels return to normal.
For these people, taking an iron-only supplement is a good idea because other nutrients commonly found in multivitamins, such as calcium, may inhibit iron absorption.
Additionally, experts recommend taking iron supplements between meals and avoiding pairing them with foods or beverages that may inhibit iron absorption, such as:
- tea
- coffee
- milk
Instead, take iron with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice or bell peppers. Vitamin C can help enhance iron absorption.
In terms of supplement forms, one of the best iron supplements for anemia that’s unlikely to cause constipation is ferrous bisglycinate chelate. It’s highly absorbable and gentle on the digestive system, making it a smart choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Potential side effects and safety concerns
Certain iron supplements are more likely to cause side effects than others.
Potential side effects of taking iron supplements include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- abdominal pain
Iron can be toxic if taken in very high doses. To reduce the risk of side effects and toxicity, avoid exceeding the established tolerable upper intake levels for iron supplements unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
These levels are as follows:
- 40 mg per day for babies and kids
- 45 mg per day for teens and adults
Finally, it’s important to keep iron supplements out of reach of children because they are more susceptible to iron toxicity than adults.
Children may mistake iron supplements for candy and ingest large amounts, which can be fatal.
Drug interactions
Iron supplements may reduce the absorption of medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Iron supplements may lower the effectiveness of levothyroxine, a common drug used to treat:
- hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid
- goiter
- thyroid cancer
On the other hand, some medications — such as proton pump inhibitors, which treat acid reflux or stomach ulcers — can reduce iron absorption because they lower gastric acid secretion, which plays a key role in iron uptake.
When to contact a doctor
Having too little iron in your body can cause symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- weakness
- difficulty concentrating
- shortness of breath
Some people are more at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, including:
- people with heavy periods
- pregnant people
- people with health conditions that cause nutrient malabsorption
If you think you may have an iron deficiency, visit a healthcare professional. They can check your iron levels with a blood test.
Do not try to treat an iron deficiency on your own. Even though most people respond well to oral iron supplements, some may need iron infusions to effectively increase their iron levels.
How to choose an iron supplement
It’s important to consider several factors when choosing an iron supplement, including the type of iron, provided dose, and product quality and safety.
Dosing
Here are the current Recommended Dietary Allowances for iron in healthy teens and adults:
14 to 18 years19 to 50 years51+ years11 mg for males8 mg for males8 mg for males15 mg for females18 mg for females8 mg for females27 mg while pregnant27 mg while pregnant—10 mg while nursing9 mg while nursing—For kids and babies, the Recommended Dietary Allowances are:
Birth to 6 months7 to 12 months1 to 3 years4 to 8 years9 to 13 years0.27 mg for males and females11 mg for males and females7 mg for males and females10 mg for males and females8 mg for males and femalesKeep in mind that if you’re low on iron, you’ll need more iron than most other people need each day.
If you have low iron stores, have a deficiency, or need extra iron for any reason, a healthcare professional can recommend a dosage that fits your needs.
Useful supplement shopping guides
- How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements
- How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro
Frequently asked questions about iron supplements
What is the most effective form of iron supplement?
Many forms of supplemental iron are effective for increasing iron levels.
Ferrous forms of iron tend to be more bioavailable than ferric iron, meaning your body more easily absorbs them.
However, some forms of iron, including ferrous sulfate, are more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation than other forms, such as iron bisglycinate chelate.
So, iron bisglycinate chelate is a good overall option for raising iron levels that’s also gentle on the stomach.
Meanwhile, iron supplements come in several options, including liquids, capsules, and chewable products. Liquid and chewable iron supplements are a good choice if you cannot tolerate pills or capsules.
Some people, such as those with health conditions that cause nutrient malabsorption, may require iron infusions. These are administered and monitored by a healthcare team.
Many forms of supplemental iron are effective for increasing iron levels.
Ferrous forms of iron tend to be more bioavailable than ferric iron, meaning your body more easily absorbs them.
However, some forms of iron, including ferrous sulfate, are more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation than other forms, such as iron bisglycinate chelate.
So, iron bisglycinate chelate is a good overall option for raising iron levels that’s also gentle on the stomach.
Meanwhile, iron supplements come in several options, including liquids, capsules, and chewable products. Liquid and chewable iron supplements are a good choice if you cannot tolerate pills or capsules.
Some people, such as those with health conditions that cause nutrient malabsorption, may require iron infusions. These are administered and monitored by a healthcare team.
What is the best iron supplement for anemia?
If you have iron deficiency anemia, ferrous forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate, tend to be more bioavailable than ferric iron.
Iron bisglycinate chelate is also effective for treating iron deficiency anemia. Plus, it’s gentle on the stomach. It’s often preferred over ferrous and ferric salts because it’s less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation.
If you have iron deficiency anemia, ferrous forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate, tend to be more bioavailable than ferric iron.
Iron bisglycinate chelate is also effective for treating iron deficiency anemia. Plus, it’s gentle on the stomach. It’s often preferred over ferrous and ferric salts because it’s less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation.
How much iron should I take?
The amount of iron you should take depends on your iron levels.
For people with iron deficiency, the typical recommendation is to take divided daily doses to reach 100 mg to 200 mg of elemental iron per day.
However, research suggests that taking smaller doses of iron once daily and taking iron every other day may help improve absorption and tolerability compared with taking large daily doses of iron.
The amount of iron you should take depends on your iron levels.
For people with iron deficiency, the typical recommendation is to take divided daily doses to reach 100 mg to 200 mg of elemental iron per day.
However, research suggests that taking smaller doses of iron once daily and taking iron every other day may help improve absorption and tolerability compared with taking large daily doses of iron.
What iron supplement is best for sensitive stomachs?
Many forms of iron are gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects.
If you need an iron supplement but are concerned about potential side effects like constipation, it’s best to choose a supplement that contains iron in the form of iron bisglycinate chelate over supplements that contain ferric or ferrous salts, such as ferrous sulfate.
Many forms of iron are gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects.
If you need an iron supplement but are concerned about potential side effects like constipation, it’s best to choose a supplement that contains iron in the form of iron bisglycinate chelate over supplements that contain ferric or ferrous salts, such as ferrous sulfate.
What's the best time of day to take an iron supplement?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so it’s recommended to take iron first thing in the morning, apart from meals and beverages like coffee or milk. However, some research shows that consuming iron supplements with a vitamin C-rich beverage, like orange juice, can significantly increase iron absorption.
While it’s best to take iron on an empty stomach, if iron supplements make you feel queasy, it’s OK to take them with a small meal or snack.
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so it’s recommended to take iron first thing in the morning, apart from meals and beverages like coffee or milk. However, some research shows that consuming iron supplements with a vitamin C-rich beverage, like orange juice, can significantly increase iron absorption.
While it’s best to take iron on an empty stomach, if iron supplements make you feel queasy, it’s OK to take them with a small meal or snack.
The bottom line
Iron is an important mineral that’s necessary for oxygen transport and the formation of healthy red blood cells.
While it’s always best to fulfill your iron needs through a diet high in iron-rich whole foods, supplements may sometimes be necessary to help you reach your daily iron needs.
Many types of iron supplements are available and contain varying doses and forms of the mineral.
Consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, and consider the factors mentioned above to help you choose a high quality product.