Iron isn’t a mineral that gets a lot of attention, but it plays many important roles in the body. Its core function is to carry oxygen to the hemoglobin. Oxygen is a necessary element for cells to make energy. The mineral also removes carbon dioxide from the cells and assists in the production of various hormones.
Without enough iron, red blood cells aren’t able to carry oxygen efficiently, which causes iron deficiency anemia. Most people get iron from the foods they eat. Iron is available in heme and nonheme forms. Plant-based foods and iron-fortified products contain nonheme iron. Meat, poultry, and seafood contain both types.
Research has found that the body most efficiently absorbs nonheme iron when it’s combined with certain foods like poultry, meat, and seafood, along with foods that contain a high amount of vitamin C, such as broccoli and citrus fruits.
Common symptoms of low iron
Iron deficiency isn’t a health condition that causes noticeable symptoms initially. This is because the body stores iron in the bone marrow, muscles, and various organs. Noticeable symptoms typically only occur when iron stores are depleted, which leads to iron deficiency.
This condition causes the red blood cells to shrink. In turn, the cells carry less hemoglobin, which means less oxygen in the blood that’s sent throughout the body. Common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor. A blood test can be performed to determine if you’re deficient in iron or any other vitamins or minerals.
How much iron do I need each day?
There’s no single answer for how much iron you need to take each day. Instead, the number is based on your sex, age, and diet. Vegetarians, vegans, and other people who don’t consume meat or seafood typically need twice as much iron as the average person.
Men aged 19-50 years old need about 8 mg of iron each day. On the other hand, women in the same age range need more than twice the amount (18 mg) to maintain healthy iron levels and stores. Adults aged 51 and older should aim for 8 mg of iron daily.
Pregnant women and women with heavy periods need to consume no less than 27 mg of iron daily.
Top 25 best iron supplements
There are plenty of iron supplements available on the market today. To make your decision process a little easier, here are 25 of the best iron supplements that you can trust to keep your iron levels where they need to be.
With Elm & Rye Iron, you can have total confidence that your iron levels are healthy and balanced. This supplement is crafted to boost hemoglobin, which in turn reduces fatigue and improves concentration.
Elm & Rye Iron is available in capsules and gummy forms and are proudly developed by a team of world-class researchers. This supplement is dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
2. Nature Made Iron with Vitamin C Gummies
Getting your daily iron has never been tastier or more convenient. With Nature Made Iron with Vitamin C Gummies, you can enjoy each chew. These raspberry flavored gummies are formulated to support red blood cell formulation. In fact, each serving provides 18 mg of high quality iron!
The addition of vitamin C makes the iron in this supplement even more bioavailable.
3. JSHealth Iron+
Feel energized and ready to take on each day with JSHealth Iron+. This supplement is made with a non-constipating formula and promises high absorption. It’s formulated with vitamin C and vitamin B12, which increase iron absorption while supporting healthy energy levels.
JSHealth Iron+ is GMO-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
4. Natalist Iron
Natalist Iron can be taken by anyone, though it’s specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant women. Research has found that more than 40% of pregnant women are anemic. This supplement contains 54 mg of iron carbonyl. These time release tablets are gentle on the stomach and won’t cause unwanted side effects.
Natalist Iron is vegan and doesn’t contain common allergens like soy, gluten, wheat, corn, or dairy.
5. Doctor’s Best High Absorption Iron
Getting your daily dose of iron has never been easier. Doctor’s Best High Absorption Iron is made with ferrochel iron, which is chelated to increase tolerability and absorption. This supplement is easy on the stomach, which means no digestive issues!
Doctor’s Best High Absorption Iron is designed to support red blood cell production while also boosting your immune health.
6. Nature’s Bounty Gentle Iron
Boost your iron levels without digestive issues with Nature’s Bounty Gentle Iron. This supplement is designed to be gentle on the stomach, which means no cramping or other problems. Each serving is packed with 28 mg of iron glycinate.
Nature’s Bounty Gentle Iron is also formulated with vitamin B12 and folic acid, which support hemoglobin along with cellular energy utilization.
7. Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C
Boost your immune system while supporting healthy iron absorption with Vitron-C Iron Plus Vitamin C. This supplement offers 65 mg of carbonyl iron and 125 mg of vitamin C in each serving. When taken as directed, this supplement gives you the energy you need so that you can take on each day without fatigue.
8. Nature’s Truth Ferrous Sulfate Iron
Improve your iron intake with Nature’s Truth Ferrous Sulfate Iron. These tablets are vegetarian coated, with each serving offering 65 mg of iron. A single tablet works to promote red blood cell production while also supporting healthy cellular energy utilization.
Nature’s Truth Ferrous Sulfate Iron is formulated without wheat, gluten, soy, milk, or yeast. It’s also free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.
9. The Vitamin Shoppe Iron Gummies
If you aren’t a fan of swallowing pills, get the iron you need with The Vitamin Shoppe Iron Gummies. These grape flavored gummies offer 20 mg of iron per serving and boost energy production while also supporting immune health and function.
These gummies are also enriched with other vitamins and nutrients, including zinc, B vitamins, and folate. The Vitamin Shoppe Iron Gummies are vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
10. Life Extension Iron Protein Plus
Increase your iron levels with Life Extension Iron Protein Plus. This supplement is designed to support the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity while promoting red blood cell formation. Each serving provides 15 mg of iron succinylate, which is well tolerated in people with sensitive stomachs.
Take just one capsule of Life Extension Iron Protein Plus a day to reap the benefits!
11. Gaia Herbs Floradix Iron + Herbs
Support your body’s red blood cells while ensuring healthy iron levels with Gaia Herbs Floradix Iron + Herbs. These vegetarian capsules provide 10 mg of iron ferrous gluconate, along with a blend of other vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, B vitamins, folic acid, and riboflavin.
Gaia Herbs Floradix Iron + Herbs is also enriched with a blend of herbs, including fennel seed, spinach leaf, and carrot root.
12. S.S.S. Tonic High Potency Iron/B-Vitamin Supplement
Boost your health with iron and B vitamins with S.S.S. Tonic High Potency Iron Supplement. This drinkable supplement is formulated to support oxygen transportation throughout the body while also supporting your metabolism and energy levels.
S.S.S. Tonic High Potency Iron is safe for men and women and doesn’t cause any digestive issues.
13. Puritan’s Pride Easy Iron
Support your body’s energy utilization with Puritan’s Pride Easy Iron. Each serving offers 28 mg of iron ferrous bisglycinate, along with vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12. When taken as directed, this supplement helps to keep your body working at optimal levels each day.
14. New Chapter Fermented Iron Complex
New Chapter Fermented Iron Complex provides whole body support so you feel your best. This supplement is made with whole-food fermented iron as well as vitamins, minerals, and superfoods like turmeric and ginger. It even offers a stress, digestive support, and energy blend, all of which are enriched with botanical ingredients.
New Chapter Fermented Iron Complex offers 9 mg of iron per serving and can be safely taken on an empty stomach.
15. Slow Fe Slow Release Iron Supplement
If you’re iron deficient, Slow Fe Slow Release Iron Supplement is a worthy product to try. These tablets are made with a unique special controlled release system that delivers high potency iron to your body throughout the day.
Each serving provides 45 mg of iron. Slow Fe Slow Release Iron Supplement can be taken with or without food, though it works best on an empty stomach.
16. PlantFusion Vegan Complete Iron
Specially formulated to support healthy hemoglobin and energy levels, PlantFusion Vegan Complete Iron contains a blend of iron, folate, and vitamin B12. This supplement is highly absorbable and is easy on the stomach. Each serving offers 25 mg of ferrochel vegan iron.
PlantFusion Vegan Complete Iron is 100% plant based and doesn’t contain any dairy, gluten, or soy.
17. Mary Ruth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Iron
Pregnant women need more iron to support their body and growing baby. Mary Ruth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Iron is uniquely formulated for expecting women. This liquid supplement provides bioavailable ferrous bisglycinate chelate iron. This form of iron offers increased tolerability and high absorbability.
Mary Ruth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Iron is berry flavored, non-GMO, vegan, and 100% natural.
18. NOW Foods Iron
Support your energy production, immune function, and neurological health with NOW Foods Iron. This supplement is formulated with ferrochel iron bisglycinate, which is clinically proven to offer superior absorption. It’s also well tolerated, which means no constipation or other digestive issues.
Each serving of NOW Foods Iron provides 18 mg of iron, which is a great daily amount.
19. MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement
Increase your iron levels without constipation or nausea with MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement. When used as directed, this supplement improves energy levels while combating fatigue. Each serving offers 26 mg of iron along with the nutrients found in organic oranges and beets.
MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement is gentle enough to take anytime of day, even on an empty stomach.
20. LifeCentric Health Iron Gummies
For maximum benefits and no side effects, try LifeCentric Health Iron Gummies. These iron gummies will boost your energy levels and concentration. Each serving of these grape flavored gummies offers 10 mg of iron, along with other vitamins and nutrients like folic acid, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and a B vitamin blend.
LifeCentric Health Iron Gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
21. Naturelo Iron with Vitamin C
Naturelo Iron with Vitamin C is made with gentle chelated iron. Each serving packs 25 mg of iron, which is gentle and offers advanced bioavailability. This supplement is also formulated with a blend of organic whole foods, including kale, spinach, beet, pumpkin, and swiss chard.
22. Spring Valley Iron
Get your daily dose of iron in a single tablet with Spring Valley Iron. This supplement provides 65 mg of ferrous sulfate. For best results, take one tablet daily with a meal. In turn, you’ll support your general wellness so that you feel great each day.
23. Solgar Gentle Iron
Solgar Gentle Iron is made with a patented formula that improves iron levels while promoting energy utilization and helping the body to form new red blood cells. This supplement is made with 25 mg of chelated iron bisglycinate, which is gentle on the stomach and non-constipating.
Solgar Gentle Iron is vegan, non-GMO, and doesn’t contain gluten or dairy.
24. NovaFerrum High Potency Liquid Iron
Drink your way to healthy iron levels with NovaFerrum High Potency Liquid Iron. This raspberry grape flavored supplement offers 125 mg of elemental iron. Take directly or mix into juice or smoothie. NovaFerrum High Potency Liquid Iron is made with natural fruit flavors and sweeteners. It doesn’t contain any sugar, gluten, or other additives.
25. Simple Wonders Iron Gummies
Get your daily dose of iron, even when you’re on the go, with Simple Wonders Iron Gummies. These fruit-flavored gummies help to maintain healthy iron levels while supporting your body’s immune defense. They’re also formulated with essential micronutrients like folic acid, zinc, vitamins A and C, and B-complex.
Who is most at risk of not getting enough iron?
Most people get iron from the foods they eat. But, there are certain people who are at an increased risk of an iron deficiency. This includes:
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Pregnant women
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Teens and women with heavy periods
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Vegetarians and vegans
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Infants, especially premature or low-birth weight
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Frequent blood donors
People with certain health conditions, like GI disorders, cancer, and heart failure, are also at an increased risk of iron deficiency.
Final thoughts
Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to function at its best. We highly recommend the 25 iron supplements that we reviewed above. No matter if you’re pregnant or simply want to ensure your body has everything it needs, you can’t go wrong with any of the high quality iron supplements on this list.
The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
