Why we love it: This iron complex comes in a convenient, travel-friendly and flat-edged bottle that holds two months’ worth of dosages. It contains iron in the form of ferrous bisglycinate, making it effective and easy on your digestion.
Pros: High-quality formulation, vegan-friendly.
Cons: More expensive than other options on this list.
8. Best high-strength iron supplement
WeightWorld Iron Bisglycinate
Recommended dose: One tablet a day.
Why we love it: Looking for an essential mineral supplement that’s specifically designed to improve your immune system and energy? Say no more. This product has a formulation created by healthcare professionals, containing high-quality, nature-made iron.
Pros: Miniature tablets that are easy to swallow. Great value.
Cons: N/A.
9. Best daily iron supplement
Nutrition Geeks Iron Energy+
Recommended dose: One tablet a day.
Why we love it: Excuse my French, but four months’ worth of iron supplements for under £7 is a damn bargain. This high-strength product features 14mg of iron as well as a blend of vitamin C and folic acid, all wrapped up in tiny, easy-to-swallow tablets.
Pros: Comes in letterbox-sized, plastic-free packaging.
Cons: May be unsuitable for people with more serious iron deficiencies.
10. Best iron supplement for treating iron deficiency
NaturesPlus HEMA-PLEX Iron Capsules
Recommended dose: One capsule a day.
Why we love it: This product is specifically designed to help target iron deficiency with a formulation that contains 43mg of elemental iron. It also contains a complex of vitamin C, vitamin B12 and zinc to help support a healthy metabolism.
Pros: Gentle on the stomach, despite offering a higher dose of iron.
Cons: A large tablet that can be more difficult to swallow.
11. Best iron supplement for your immune system
Recommended dose: One capsule a day.
Why we love it: Derived from whey protein, this iron supplement contains a non-irritating and fast-absorbing version of ferrous sulphate. Unlike most other supplements, it’s even kind enough on your digestion to be taken on an empty stomach.
Pros: Offers a much gentler version of ferrous sulphate.
Cons: Not suitable for vegans.
Iron supplement FAQs, answered:
What are the benefits of taking iron supplements?
In an ideal world, we would be able to get all the necessary vitamins and nutrients from a varied and balanced diet. According to the NHS, naturally iron-rich foods typically include red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit and fortified breakfast cereals. However, making sure you consume all the iron your body needs is much harder said than done, particularly if you’re vegan or vegetarian.
How can I tell if I have symptoms of iron deficiency?
“Some common symptoms of iron deficiency include extreme fatigue, weakness, headaches, shortness of breath and chest pain,” shares Bakker. In more serious cases, low iron levels can result in iron deficiency anaemia, a health condition in which our bodies aren’t able to produce enough healthy red blood cells. If left untreated, this can leave you at increased risk of infection and disease. Women who regularly experience heavy periods are particularly prone to anaemia.
Bakker strongly advises checking your iron levels with a blood test before taking supplements, as unnecessarily supplementing with iron in the long term can lead to gastrointestinal issues caused by iron toxicity. Consuming higher doses of iron is dangerous and can even be fatal for children under the age of 10, so always check in with your GP.
What’s the best form of iron supplements to take?
Bakker reports that iron bisglycinate is widely considered to be the form of iron that’s most gentle on the stomach. Other forms, such as ferrous sulfate, can sometimes cause stomach cramps or constipation, so it’s always worth checking the ingredients on your iron supplement if you have a sensitive digestion. “It’s also key to look for supplements that are free from fillers, bulking agents, artificial flavourings or colourings,” she adds.
How much iron should I take daily?
The recommended daily dose of iron is 14mg — however, the amount of iron you actually need depends entirely on your blood levels. For example, those with an iron deficiency may be advised by healthcare professionals to aim for up to 40mg.
And while there’s no comprehensive evidence that taking your iron supplement at any particular time of day is beneficial, you should look to avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
Can I take other vitamins with my iron supplement?
It depends. Some iron supplements often come paired with vitamin C, since it aids your body’s ability to absorb iron. Vitamin B complexes also combine well with minerals and can be important in helping treat iron deficiencies.
On the other hand, Sepel notes that you should avoid taking iron with zinc and calcium, since they both compete with iron for absorption.
