Feeling fatigued? You may be iron deficient. Top up your intake with our pick of the best iron supplements
Words: Lily Smith | Images: Shutterstock & various brands
Iron is an essential mineral that your body uses to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. However, many women unknowingly suffer with iron-deficiency anaemia. This can have a wide range of causes, from a heavy menstrual flow to a lack of dietary iron, and lead to fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet, brittle nails and dizziness. ‘Low iron can also affect immunity, aerobic capacity in physical exercise and make the heart beat faster,’ explains Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice (thelondongeneralpractice.com).
So, should you supplement with iron? ‘A healthy, balanced and varied diet should provide most people with all the essential vitamins and minerals their body needs,’ adds Dr Rai. ‘However, there are times when supplements may be required. Taking over-the-counter supplements should be safe in small doses, but stronger doses should only be taken with advice from your doctor.’
Before supplementing with iron, visit your GP for a simple blood test, to determine whether you are deficient.
Support your blood
Natures Plus HEMA-PLEX Iron Capsules
Top Sante verdict
Described as a total blood health support supplement, these vegan capsules contain a range of nutrients essential for red blood cell and haemoglobin formation- Contains naturally chelated iron, vitamin C, a complex of B vitamins, zinc and more
- Supports energy metabolism and healthy red blood cell formation
- A gentle, highly absorbable form of iron
Added vitamin C
DR.VEGAN Gentle Iron + Vitamin C
Top Sante verdict
This vegan supplement combines 18mg of iron with 80mg of vitamin C, which greatly improves the body’s absorption of iron, while also supporting your immune system- Reduces tiredness & fatigue
- Supports healthy immunity
- Vitamin C increases Iron absorption
- With Citrus Bioflavonoids
Budget-friendly option
Nutrition Geeks Iron Energy +
Top Sante verdict
With iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and folic acid, these affordable, easy-to-swallow and vegan-friendly tablets are perfect for reducing fatigue while also supporting the immune system- Aid the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Supports the immune system, formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport around the body
- Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body
Easily absorbed
BetterYou Iron 10 Daily Oral Spray
Top Sante verdict
Iron 10 Oral Spray has been scientifically formulated to deliver iron directly into the bloodstream, bypassing primary processing by the gut and providing fast, effective nutrient uptake- Fast effective iron absorption – without the digestive discomfort
- Contributes to the reduction in tiredness and fatigue
- Supports immunity and normal cognitive function
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Powered by whole foods
Together Health Gentle Iron Wholefood Supplement
Top Sante verdict
These cruelty-free, vegan supplements contain clean, raw and complete wholefood iron in the form of nutritional yeast, which also benefits from naturally occurring co-nutrients including live enzymes- Tops up low iron levels
- Contributes to normal blood formation
- Plant based broad spectrum Iron
- From organic curry leaf
Ideal for sensitive stomachs
Solgar Gentle Iron Capsules
Top Sante verdict
Formulated with iron bisglycinate, a type of iron that’s tolerated well by sensitive stomachs, this vegan supplement is free from gluten, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavours and colours- Shown to reduce tiredness and fatigue and support healthy energy levels
- Contributes to normal cognitive function, normal energy-levels and supports a healthy immune system
- Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians
