Iron is a mineral needed for a number of essential bodily processes. It plays a critical role in the formation of red blood cells, oxygen transportation, energy production & protecting your cells from oxidative stress.
Although you can get iron from food, many of us still have low iron levels. According to WHO, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally.
Some people may have inadequate iron intake, impaired absorption, or increased iron needs. This makes them at risk of iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even lead to anaemia if left unchecked.
It is important to ensure adequate intake of iron to maintain good health. You can do this by eating iron-rich food or by getting a daily boost from a high quality supplement.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into iron supplements & help you choose wisely when it comes to picking a top quality product.
Why Is Iron Important?
Iron is a critical mineral for human health, playing a key role in a variety of metabolic processes. It's necessary for the production of haemoglobin (the protein found in red blood cells) that helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
Additionally, iron helps maintain energy levels and supports immunity, because it plays a role in the production of white blood cells.
Iron is found in a variety of animal and plant-based foods, making it an important factor in a healthy and balanced diet. Foods such as poultry, red meat, fish, beans & dark leafy greens are all good sources of iron.
If not treated promptly, iron deficiency can have serious health consequences. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and pale skin. It may also cause poor physical performance and poor concentration and can weaken the immune system.
If you think you might have iron deficiency or anaemia, it's crucial to get a professional opinion from your doctor. Take note that supplements are also not meant to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Who Should Consider An Iron Supplement?
There are certain groups of people that research shows may particularly benefit from iron supplementation:
Teenage girls
Women who are pregnant
Women of menstruating age
People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
Frequent blood donors
People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
People who eat a high fibre diet, which can inhibit iron absorption
Individuals recovering from blood loss, such as injury or surgery
Performance athletes
Iron Benefits:
Energy
Blood Cells
Metabolism
Immune Health
Brain
Bones
Iron Supplements: 2023 Buyers Guide
Iron supplements come in many different forms, ranging from tablets and capsules, through to drinks, powders, and even gummy vitamins.
But finding the most effective product can be daunting, time-consuming, and even expensive. So we did the research for you.
Let's take a closer look at some of the important things to consider when it comes to shopping for a quality product...
Ingredients To Look For:
Iron Bisglycinate
Check the label for iron bisglycinate. It's the highest quality form of iron that offers improved absorption and bioavailability. It's also far easier on the stomach than other forms, so you don't have to worry about any unpleasant side effects.
Vitamin C
Any iron supplement worth considering should also contain vitamin C which studies show helps to significantly boost iron absorption & effectiveness. Additionally, it also helps reduce fatigue, protects cells from oxidative stress & contributes to the normal function of your immune system.
What To Avoid:
Fillers & Additives
Read the back label of any supplement carefully and watch out for any synthetic fillers or additives. Avoid any unnecessary ingredients or bulking agents such as magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, starch, iron oxide, or microcrystalline cellulose which don't offer any nutritional benefit.
Low Doses
If you're looking to increase your iron levels, taking a potent dose of iron supplements is key. Smaller doses found in most multivitamins aren't likely to have the same effect. It's best to check with your GP to determine the right dosage for you.
Your Iron Supplement Checklist:
GMP Standards
Look for a manufacturer that adheres to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) code of conduct. This is a strict set of safety, quality and handling protocols and helps to ensure you're getting a safe, pure and effective product. Look for a manufacturer that adheres to GMP standards to be sure you're getting the highest possible quality product.
Money Back Guarantee
It's important that any manufacturer stands behind their product and is willing to give your money back if you aren't happy with the results. Many manufacturers now offer an extended returns policy or 100% satisfaction guarantee for as long as 30 or 60 days. This gives you plenty of time to try the supplement "risk free" to make sure it's what you're looking for.
#1 Iron Pick For 2023: Iron Complex by Purolabs
For its ultimate combination of gentle iron bisglycinate & 4 other ingredients to help combat tiredness & fatigue, Puro Iron Complex is going to be the best bet for most people.
Each capsule provides 15mg of iron bisglycinate with is gentler and more “stomach-friendly” than other forms of iron. It also includes other key nutrients which contribute to other key aspects of your health.
The plant-powered & vegan-friendly formula is also100% free from sketchy additives, fillers & bulking agents that are commonly found in most supplements.
But what really sets it apart is the truly comprehensive 60 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee, which allows you to try the product risk-free for 60 days to ensure you see the benefits.
Why You'll Love Iron Complex
Gentle iron bisglycinate for superior absorption - without unpleasant side effects
Comprehensive list of ingredients that includes vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin & vitamin B12
Tasteless, vegan-friendly capsules (no messy powders or drinks!) in a convenient travel-friendly bottle
Our #1 Pick
Purolabs
Iron Complex
From £14.99 per bottle
With an ultra clean formula that's 100% free from fillers or unnecessary ingredients, this product has been rated 4.8/5 by customers. Feedback is extremely impressive - with many reporting experiencing results such as better energy levels & improved mood - just to name a few.
Ratings Breakdown
Quality
The commitment to quality is second-to-none. They focus on the highest-quality, most clinically-tested ingredients without the usual additives or fillers commonly found in most supplements.
Value
You can definitely find iron supplements cheaper - but if you want true value for money, we think it's worth the investment in your health.
Customer Experience
The website is easy to navigate; the delivery is fast and free; and the items come well-packaged. Customer feedback is excellent.
Brand
While a relative newcomer, the brand has been on the scene for a couple of years now, slowly building their reputation for quality products with premium ingredients.
Perks
The product comes with a truly risk-free 60 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can try the product first to ensure it's suitable for you.
Shop Our #1 Pick
Iron Complex by Purolabs
Other Options Worth Considering:
Wicked Iron Gummy
These tasty peach-flavoured gummy bear vitamins from Wicked provide a tasty way for adults to top up their iron levels.
Two gummies per day is all you need for 100% of your iron RDA (14mg per serving) with each bottle lasting for approximately one month.
While gummies are unavoidably a little higher in sugar and additives, the taste is great, and this brand comes highly rated for both delivery speed & customer service.
Actinovo Lipsomal Iron
This vegan-friendly liquid iron supplement from German manufacturer Actinovo is popular with athletes & provides 15mg of iron (equivalent to 600 grams of spinach!) in a highly absorbable & bioavailable form.
Two daily teaspoons in juice or water will do the trick, and the cherry flavour is also pretty impressive. The formula is also extremely clean - being non-GMO, gluten-free & additive-free - making it a great option if capsules aren't your thing
Spatone Iron Shot
Spatone Apple is a naturally sourced iron-rich water supplement with added vitamin C & a delicious apple taste.
It's uniquely sourced from naturally occurring iron rich water extracted from Snowdonia in Wales, then packaged into single use sachets that are ideal if you're always on the go. As a highly bioavailable liquid iron source, this is another great option to help keep tiredness & fatigue at bay.
Smart Way Iron Spray
This apple-flavoured daily spray from Smart Way provides 30ml of iron & is suitable for both men and women. As a liquid, it's designed to enhance delivery for superior absorption by your body.
Each bottle lasts for around 2 months and can be kept for as long as 2 years without refrigeration.
While the taste won't be for everyone and capsules are arguably more convenient, this another good option that also offers decent value for money.
Shop Our #1 Pick
Iron Complex by Purolabs
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