Iron is an important mineral that our bodies need in order to function properly. When someone is deficient in Iron, they may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Thankfully, many different types of iron supplements are available on the market. So what is the best iron supplement for those deficient in Iron? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Iron, the best iron supplements in 2023, and how you can tell if you are low in Iron.
What is Iron, and what does it do for the body
Iron is a mineral that is found in many foods. It is important for the body because it helps to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Without enough Iron, the body cannot make enough hemoglobin, and people can become tired and have difficulty breathing. The body needs Iron to make new cells. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Anemia is when the blood does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. People with anemia may always feel tired, and their skin may look pale. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, and it is especially common in pre-school children, pregnant women, and women with heavy menstrual periods.
Can you get Iron naturally from food?
A good diet provides enough Iron for most people. But there are some specifications of this important mineral.
Form
Dietary Iron can be found in two forms:
Heme Iron
- Contained in animal products such as poultry, seafood, meat
- More easily absorbed form of Iron
Non-heme Iron
- Plant foods contain nuts, beans, vegetables, and foods fortified with Iron.
- Less easily absorbed form of Iron
- Combining nonheme sources with foods rich in vitamin C or heme sources can increase their absorption.
Vegan diets generally contain a lot more non-heme Iron than vegetarianism, so individuals who don't eat any type of animal products may develop anemia if their intake isn't rich enough - especially because these foods lack nutrient richness too!
Sources of heme iron:
- Oysters, clams, mussels
- Beef or chicken liver
- Organ meats
- Canned sardines
- Beef
- Poultry
- Canned light tuna
Sources of nonheme Iron:
- Enriched breakfast cereals
- Beans
- Dark chocolate (at least 45%)
- Lentils
- Spinach
- Peeled potatoes
- Nuts, seeds
- Enriched rice or bread
SUM
There are many types of Iron, but the best kind for your body to use is heme. It's found in meat and fish highest on this list! If you don't eat any foods high in animal protein or have normal amounts already in your diet, then you can get enough from other sources like dark green veggies, legumes, and fortified foods. If you think you might be deficient in Iron, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test.
What is ferrous sulphate?
Iron deficiency is a common problem and can be treated with iron supplements. Many types of iron supplements are available, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs. Some of the most common iron supplements include ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. Ferrous sulphate is the most commonly prescribed type of iron supplement, and it is generally affordable and easy to find. Ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate are also effective options, but they may be a bit more expensive than ferrous sulphate.
How we chose
This article discusses iron supplements according to the following criteria:
- Quality. Ideally, a third-party organization tests iron supplements for quality and purity.
- Type of Iron. Supplements contain easily digestible forms of Iron.
- Other nutrients. Supplements do not contain nutrients that impair iron absorption and may contain nutrients that improve absorption.
- Dose. Supplements contain an effective dose of Iron.
- Price. We have included products designed for different budgets.
The Best Iron Supplements 2023
Best prenatal iron supplement: Trophic Iron Chelazome
- Price: $$
- Type: Bisglycinate form
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day
Trophic Iron Chelazome is a prenatal iron supplement designed to be gentle on the stomach. It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavours or colours. Trophic Iron Chelazome is available in a variety of different formats, including tablets, capsules, and liquid drops. It is also available in various strengths, so you can find the perfect one for your individual needs. Trophic Iron Chelazome is a good choice for pregnant women looking for a gentle but effective iron supplement.
"When I first started taking an iron supplement, I was really surprised by how much of a difference it made in my overall health and wellbeing. After only a few weeks of taking a daily dose of iron, I noticed more energy, better sleep and improved focus. Not to mention that my hair and nails looked healthier too. Iron supplements are an important part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, so I’d definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking to improve their health and wellbeing. Just make sure that you find the right supplement for your individual needs, as everyone’s body reacts differently."
- Sonya Shikhman, Partner at Bytensky Shikhman
Best affordable iron supplement: SISU Gentle Iron
- Price: $
- Type: Bisglycinate form
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day
The best affordable iron supplement on the market is SISU Gentle Iron. This supplement contains ferrous sulphate, a form of Iron that the body can easily absorb. It also includes vitamin C, which helps to boost the absorption of Iron. SISU Gentle Iron is affordable and easy to find, making it a good choice for people looking for an affordable iron supplement.
Best iron supplement for kids: Natural Factors Big Friends Chewable
- Price: $
- Type: Ferric pyrophosphate
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day
Natural Factors Big Friends Chewable Iron is a great choice for kids who need an iron supplement. This supplement comes in a delicious chewable tablet form, and it includes vitamin C to help boost the absorption of Iron. Natural Factors Big Friends Chewable Iron is affordable and easy to find, making it a good choice for families looking for an iron supplement for their kids.
Best high-quality iron supplement: Smart Solutions IronSmart
- Price: $$
- Type: Ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelate
- Dosage: 1-2 capsules per day
Smart Solutions IronSmart is a high-quality iron supplement that contains ferrous bisglycinate, a form of Iron that is easy for the body to absorb. It also includes vitamin C and other nutrients that help boost iron absorption. Smart Solutions IronSmart is more expensive than other iron supplements, but it is a good choice for people looking for a high-quality product.
Best all-natural iron supplement: Floradix Salus Iron
- Price: $$
- Type: Ferrous gluconate
- Dosage: 1-2 capsule per day
Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially among women and children. If you are looking for an all-natural iron supplement, Floradix Salux Iron is a great option. It contains organic Iron, which is easy for the body to absorb. In addition, it also contains vitamins and minerals that support optimal health.
Best iron supplement for vegans: Garden of Life® mykind Organics PLANT IRON & ORGANIC HERBS
- Price: $$
- Type: Ferrous bisglycinate chelate
- Dosage: 1-2 capsules per day
If you're looking for an iron supplement that is vegan and organic, then look no further than Garden of Life's mykind Organics PLANT IRON & ORGANIC HERBS. This supplement contains 18mg of Iron from whole food sources and a blend of organic herbs that help support absorption. Plus, it's easy on the stomach and gentle on the system, making it a great choice for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Best multivitamin with Iron: SISU Supreme Multivitamin
- Price: $$$
- Type: Ferrous bisglycinate chelate
- Dosage: 1-2 capsules per day
If you're looking for a comprehensive multivitamin that includes Iron, we recommend SISU Supreme Multivitamin + Iron. This supplement contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, including 100% of the daily value for Iron. It's also non-GMO, vegetarian, and free of artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners.
Best liquid iron supplement: Prairie Naturals Liquid Iron Solution
- Price: $$$
- Type: Ferric pyrophosphate
- Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily
Prairie Naturals Liquid Iron Solution is a great option if you are looking for a liquid iron supplement. It contains ferrous gluconate, which is easily absorbed by the body. The supplement also includes vitamin C and other nutrients that help boost iron absorption. Prairie Naturals Liquid Iron Solution is affordable and easy to find, making it a good choice for people looking for a liquid iron supplement.
How can I tell if I am low in Iron?
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps our bodies create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Without enough Iron, our bodies can't make enough hemoglobin, and we can become tired and run down. Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may include:
- Severe fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Inflamed or sore tongue
- Brittle nails
- Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances such as ice, dirt, or starch
- Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia
SUM
Iron deficiency is a very common nutrient that can be identified with blood tests, but it's just one part of the evaluation during an office visit. People with mild symptoms might discover they're anemic when their annual checkup comes around yearly!
What to look for in an iron supplement
Third-party tested supplements are sent to a laboratory where they are tested to make sure they contain what they claim to contain and are not contaminated with certain common high-risk contaminants. However, it's important to note:
- Third-party testing does not test whether a product is effective or safe for everyone or guarantees that a supplement will not interact with other supplements or drugs.
- Not all third-party testing is the same. Supplement companies are not uncommon to pay labs for certifications after minimal or no testing.
- The third-party certifications we can trust are as follows: ConsumerLab, NSF and USP. However, obtaining these certifications is difficult and/or expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to have their products tested by one of these three organizations.
- Sometimes products tested by these three companies cost more to make up for the cost of certification.
- If a supplement is not tested by one of these three companies, it does not mean it is a bad product. We recommend researching the manufacturer's reputation, calling the manufacturer and their testing lab to determine the protocols and deciding if you are comfortable consuming the supplement.
Since there is no single agency responsible for testing supplements, it is also possible that iron supplements do not contain the amount of Iron that is listed on the label. Therefore, you may want to use an iron supplement that a third party has tested. Remember, iron supplements should only be used under the supervision of licensed health care professionals.
What are the side effects of an iron supplement?
Iron is an important mineral that plays a role in many physiological processes, including oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. While most people get enough Iron from their diet, some may need an iron supplement. Iron supplements are generally safe, but they can cause side effects in some people:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Cramps (ongoing) or soreness
Less common or rare
- Double vision
- General malaise
- Faintness without dizziness or fainting
Less frequent or infrequent
- Chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing
- Stools with signs of blood (red or black)
SUM
Iron deficiency can cause symptoms typically most noticeable when it progresses to iron-IDA. Thus, you might have low levels without experiencing any of these signs if your body is already well stocked in this mineral; however, getting tested regularly will allow for early identification and treatment before IDA becomes an issue.
Who May Not Benefit From an Iron Supplement
Although iron supplements are often recommended for people with iron deficiency anemia, they may not suit everyone. If you have a condition called hemochromatosis, your body absorbs too much Iron from food and supplements, which can cause serious health problems. People with anemia caused by chronic inflammation or bleeding may also not benefit from taking iron supplements, as the additional Iron can aggravate their condition. Some medications can also interfere with the absorption of Iron, so it's important to speak to your doctor before taking any supplement. In general, iron supplements should only be taken under medical supervision.
Iron Dosage
According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Iron are as follows:
- 1-3 years: 7 mg
- 4-8 years old: 10 mg
- 9-13 years old: 8 mg
- 14-18 years old: Men - 11 mg, women - 15 mg
- 19-50 years old: Men 8 mg, Women 18 mg
- 51+ years: 8 mg
Note that iron requirements for women are higher during menstruation because of the blood loss of Iron. In addition, iron needs differ in infants and pregnant and lactating women. Transgender individuals ages 14-50 should work with their physician to assess iron needs, which depend on their menstrual status and other factors.
Your age and stage in life determine doses of supplements. Iron supplements, for example, are frequently given in different doses during pregnancy and infancy. The dose is also influenced by iron insufficiency, such as mild or Iron deficiency anemia. Your doctor will advise you on the proper dosage.
"I recently added an iron supplement to my diet and it has been a great decision. As a man in my mid-40s, I was starting to feel the effects of low iron levels. I was getting fatigued after even light exercise and had difficulty concentrating for long periods of time. After researching into iron supplements, I decided to give it a try and it has really helped. I now have more energy and can focus for much longer periods of time. The best part is that taking an iron supplement daily is enough to keep my levels up, so I don't need to worry about getting too much iron either. Iron supplements can be a great way to maintain good health, as long as they are taken in the right doses and under a doctor's supervision."
Kristian Crowe, Founder of Above It All Roofing
Conclusion
Iron supplements are a great way to ensure that you get the Iron your body needs. Many types of iron supplements are available, so it is important to find one that suits your individual needs. It is also important to consult a doctor before taking any supplement. Iron supplements should only be taken under medical supervision.
