Top 5 Best Tolerated Iron Supplements in 2024

Iron supplements are often used to increase the body’s iron content, especially for individuals suffering from anemia or iron deficiency. However, these supplements can lead to undesirable side effects like constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort for many users. As such, the importance of identifying the most easily tolerated iron supplement cannot be overstated for those required to consume it regularly.

When it comes to iron supplements, there are two main types: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is derived from animal sources and is more easily absorbed by the body, while non-heme iron is plant-based and less easily absorbed. Non-heme iron supplements are more commonly available and are often recommended for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The critical thing to consider when choosing an iron supplement is the form of iron used. Some forms, such as ferrous sulfate, are known to cause more side effects than others. Additionally, the dosage and frequency of the supplement can also affect how well it is tolerated.

We spent hours researching and testing various iron supplements to identify the best tolerated option on the market. Our top pick not only provides a high dose of non-heme iron but also includes vitamin C to aid in absorption and reduce the risk of side effects.

Best Tolerated Iron Supplements

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the human body. It is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. However, some people may experience side effects from taking iron supplements, such as constipation, nausea, and stomach cramps. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best tolerated iron supplements that are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Our team has extensively researched and tested these products to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Below is our roundup of the best tolerated iron supplements.

Klaire Labs Iron Bisglycinate Chelate Supplement

If you’re looking for a well-tolerated and well-absorbed iron supplement, you might want to consider Klaire Labs Iron Bisglycinate Chelate Supplement.

Pros

• This iron supplement is produced through a special process that binds iron to glycine amino acids, forming iron bisglycinate, a well-absorbed form of this essential mineral.
• This hypoallergenic product supplies 30 mg elemental iron per capsule.
• Studies show ferrous bisglycinate is better absorbed than ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and other common inorganic forms of iron.

Cons

• Some users report burping hours after taking this supplement and tasting the iron.
• This iron supplement comes in capsules, which might not be suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• This iron supplement might not work for everyone, as some users still struggle with anemia on occasion.

We’ve found that Klaire Labs Iron Bisglycinate Chelate Supplement is a great option for those who are looking for a gentle and well-tolerated iron supplement. This supplement is free of common allergens, such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, and soybeans, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

If you’re looking for an iron supplement that is easy on the stomach and provides a bioavailable form of iron, Klaire Labs Iron Bisglycinate Chelate Supplement might be the right choice for you. However, keep in mind that this supplement might not work for everyone, and some users might experience some side effects. As always, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

NOW Iron Supplement

If you’re looking for a gentle and effective iron supplement, NOW Iron Supplement might be a great choice for you.

Pros

• Double strength: NOW Iron Supplement has twice the iron per capsule compared to regular strength products.
• Non-constipating: This supplement uses Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, which is clinically demonstrated to be gentle and non-constipating.
• High absorption: Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate is also known for its superior absorption.

Cons

• Large capsules: Some people may find the size of the capsules difficult to swallow.
• Unflavored: This supplement is unflavored, which may not be appealing to some people.
• May cause side effects: As with any iron supplement, there is a risk of side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and constipation.

We’ve been using NOW Iron Supplement for a few weeks now and have been pleased with the results. The double strength formula means we only need to take one capsule per day, which is convenient. We also appreciate that the supplement is gentle on our stomachs and doesn’t cause constipation like other iron supplements we’ve tried in the past.

However, we do wish the capsules were a bit smaller and easier to swallow. We also don’t love the fact that the supplement is unflavored, but it’s not a deal breaker for us.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a gentle and effective iron supplement, NOW Iron Supplement is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential side effects and make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Designs for Health Ferrochel Iron Supplement

We highly recommend Designs for Health Ferrochel Iron Supplement for those looking for a highly effective and well-tolerated iron supplement.

Pros

• Provides 27 mg of elemental iron that has a very high absorption rate due to the patented iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel) formula.
• Extremely well tolerated by the gastrointestinal system, minimizing stomach upset and avoiding constipation.
• Safe for use by pregnant and lactating women, teenagers, and adults.

Cons

• May not be suitable for those with iron overload disorders.
• Some users may experience mild nausea or headaches.
• Requires taking two capsules per day, which may be inconvenient for some users.

This iron supplement is potent and bioavailable, providing a highly absorbable form of iron that is well-tolerated by the body. Unlike most iron supplements, it will not result in constipation or gastric upset. This makes it a great option for those who have had difficulty tolerating other iron supplements in the past.

In addition, this supplement is safe for use by pregnant and lactating women, teenagers, and adults. It is also vegan and non-GMO, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

While there are some potential downsides to this supplement, such as the inconvenience of taking two capsules per day, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Overall, we highly recommend Designs for Health Ferrochel Iron Supplement for those looking for a high-quality, well-tolerated iron supplement.

NOW Iron Supplements

If you are looking for a non-constipating iron supplement, NOW Iron Supplements might be the right choice for you. We have tested this product and here is what we found.

Pros

• Plays a central role in energy production, immune system function, and neurological health
• NOW uses Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, which has clinically demonstrated superior absorption and is well tolerated because it is gentle and non-constipating
• Non-GMO, Vegan / Vegetarian, Soy free, nut free, dairy free, egg free

Cons

• Smell and taste are not pleasant
• May not be suitable for people with severe anemia
• May cause stomach upset for some people

We were impressed by the fact that NOW Iron Supplements is non-constipating, which is a common issue with iron supplements. We also appreciated that it is vegan, non-GMO, and free from soy, nuts, dairy, and eggs, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions.

However, we did notice that the smell and taste of the capsules are not pleasant, which might be an issue for some people. Additionally, if you have severe anemia, you may need a higher dose of iron than what is provided in a single capsule of NOW Iron Supplements.

Overall, we recommend NOW Iron Supplements for people who are looking for a non-constipating iron supplement that is suitable for vegans and people with dietary restrictions. However, if you have severe anemia or are sensitive to the smell and taste of supplements, you might want to consider other options.

Healthy Origins Iron Ease (Featuring Ferrochel)

We highly recommend the Healthy Origins Iron Ease (Featuring Ferrochel) supplement for those looking for an iron supplement that is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.

Pros

• The ferrous bisglycinate chelate (ferrochel) ingredient enhances bioavailability and ensures maximum absorption, making it an effective iron supplement for women.
• The chelation process used in this supplement makes it gentle on the digestive system, reducing the occurrence of constipation and other digestive issues.
• Healthy Origins supplements are tested at independent labs to verify the potency and safety of each product, ensuring a high-quality supplement.

Cons

• The supplement is more expensive than other iron supplements on the market.
• Some users may experience mild side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort.
• The supplement may not be suitable for those with iron overload disorders.

This iron supplement has been a game-changer for us. We have struggled to find an iron supplement that is gentle on our stomachs and easy to digest, but the Healthy Origins Iron Ease (Featuring Ferrochel) supplement has exceeded our expectations. The ferrochel ingredient makes it highly bioavailable and effective in supporting healthy iron levels in women. Moreover, the chelation process used in this supplement ensures maximum absorption and reduced digestive issues. We appreciate the stringent quality standards set by Healthy Origins, which guarantee the safety and potency of their products.

In conclusion, if you are looking for an iron supplement that is gentle on your stomach and easy to digest, we highly recommend the Healthy Origins Iron Ease (Featuring Ferrochel) supplement. It may be more expensive than other iron supplements on the market, but its effectiveness and gentle nature make it worth the investment.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best tolerated iron supplement, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you are getting a high-quality product that meets your needs. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:

Form of Iron

Iron supplements come in different forms, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate. Each form has different levels of elemental iron, which is the amount of iron that is actually absorbed by the body. Be sure to check the label to determine the amount of elemental iron in each serving.

Dosage

The dosage of iron supplements varies depending on the form of iron and the manufacturer. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and not exceed it, as too much iron can be harmful to your health.

Additional Nutrients

Some iron supplements also contain additional nutrients, such as vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of iron in the body. Be sure to check the label to see if the supplement contains any additional nutrients that may benefit you.

Side Effects

Iron supplements can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, and stomach cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be helpful to switch to a different form of iron or take the supplement with food to reduce the risk of side effects.

Price

Iron supplements can vary in price depending on the brand and the amount of elemental iron in each serving. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before making your purchase to ensure you are getting a good value for your money.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the best tolerated iron supplement for your needs and ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that will support your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects commonly associated with iron supplements?

Iron supplements can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These side effects are more common when taking high doses of iron supplements or when not taking them with food.

How can one enhance the absorption of iron supplements?

Iron supplements can be better absorbed when taken with vitamin C. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and peppers. It is also important to avoid taking iron supplements with calcium-rich foods, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption.

Which type of iron supplement is known for being gentle on the stomach?

Iron supplements that contain ferrous bisglycinate are known for being gentle on the stomach. This type of iron supplement is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and constipation.

What is the most effective iron supplement for women?

Iron supplements that contain ferrous sulfate are considered the most effective for women. This type of iron supplement is easily absorbed and can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which is more common in women.

How does heme iron compare to other iron supplements in terms of absorption?

Heme iron, which is found in animal products such as meat and seafood, is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods and iron supplements. However, heme iron supplements are not widely available.

Are there any iron supplements available that minimize the risk of nausea?

Iron supplements that contain carbonyl iron are known for minimizing the risk of nausea. This type of iron supplement is also easily absorbed and can be taken on an empty stomach. However, it is important to note that carbonyl iron supplements may not be as effective as other types of iron supplements.

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