Our bodies need iron for a range of essential functions, including the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen throughout the body. Certain foods like spinach, shellfish, red meat, lentils, and beans are high in iron, and many people are able to get all the iron they need through the foods they eat; but sometimes, supplementation might be a good idea. If you determine with your doctor that you’re not getting enough iron through food alone, you may consider adding an iron supplement to your diet.
We reviewed dozens of iron supplements available online to identify some of the best options out there based on average ratings, reviews, form, type of iron, and price per serving. We considered tablets, capsules, chews, gummies, and liquids, and we’ve included a mix of great options on our list—from budget-friendly tablets to individually-wrapped soft chews. While these options can help you in your search, it’s important to talk with your doctor first to determine if an iron supplement is right for you, and what type, form, and dosage would be appropriate, as too much iron can be toxic.
From the many options we considered, one iron supplement stood out as the best pick overall: the MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement and Multivitamin. This highly-rated supplement boasts thousands of positive reviews, a convenient one-tablet serving size, additional vitamins, and a reasonable price.
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The 5 Top-Rated Iron Supplements
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Iron Supplement Overall | MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement and Multivitamin | 4.7 |
| Best Iron Supplement Gummies | BeLive Iron Gummies | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Iron Supplement | Feosol Original Iron Supplement | 4.6 |
| Best Liquid Iron Supplement | Floradix Iron + Herbs Liquid Supplement | 4.6 |
| Best Chewable Iron Supplement | Fusion Lifestyle Iron Soft Chews | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
Best Iron Supplement Overall: MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement and Multivitamin
Coming in a 30-tablet bottle, the MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement and Multivitamin is highly-rated, convenient to take, and competitively-priced—earning it the top spot on our list. With this iron supplement, a serving size is just one tablet that is designed to be taken anytime throughout the day, even on an empty stomach, so it can fit into your daily schedule pretty seamlessly and without much extra planning.
Made with beetroot, oranges, and broccoli, these tablets contain 26mg of iron each while also delivering Vitamin C, folic acid, and Vitamin B12. MegaFood also promises these tablets to be free from dairy, soy, and gluten and made without GMOs, so they should be able to accommodate many dietary restrictions and preferences.
The popularity and reviews of this supplement speak for themselves: this tablet boasts more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with many happy customers praising the differences it’s made for them. For a larger supply, this supplement is also available in bottles of 60, 90, or 180 tablets.
MegaFood Blood Builder Iron Supplement and Multivitamin Key Features:
- 30 tablets
- 26mg of iron per serving
- Includes folic acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C
- Made without GMOs
Best Iron Supplement Gummies: BeLive Iron Gummies
If you’d prefer to take your iron supplement in gummy form, the BeLive Iron Gummies might just be the best bet for you. Coming in a pack of 60, these grape-flavored gummies offer a convenient alternative to having to swallow a large tablet or capsule.
The suggested serving size of these iron supplements is two gummies, with 10mg of iron per serving. In addition to iron, these grape-flavored gummies also contain folic acid, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B complex, so you’re getting a mix of nutrients with each gummy.
In good news for those with dietary restrictions, these chewable gummies are made to be vegan-friendly, by using a pectin base sourced from fruits and not containing gelatin or any other animal products. These supplements are also proudly gluten-free and made in a GMP-approved facility.
BeLive Iron Gummies Key Features:
- 60 gummies
- 10mg of iron per serving
- Includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, and Vitamin B complex
- Grape-flavored
- Vegan-friendly using a pectin base
Best Budget Iron Supplement: Feosol Original Iron Supplement
If you’re interested in adding an iron supplement to your diet without having to spend too much, the Feosol Original Iron Supplement has you covered, as the best budget iron supplement on our list. When looking for a budget-friendly supplement, it’s important to consider both the overall price and the price per serving, and this Feosol supplement is affordable by both measures.
Offering 120 tablets for under $8, this Feosol iron supplement offers quite a bit of bang for your buck: with just one tablet per serving, this 120-count bottle should amount to a four-month supply. In addition to being easy on the wallet, this iron supplement also receives many positive reviews for how easy it is to swallow, thanks to its relatively small size.
Each of these tablets contains 325mg of ferrous sulfate, which is the equivalent of 65mg of elemental iron, so this is a fairly high dose option—be sure to talk with your doctor first to see if it would be an appropriate choice for you.
Feosol Original Iron Supplement Key Features:
- 120 tablets total
- 65mg of elemental iron per serving (325mg of ferrous sulfate)
- Affordable price per tablet
- Four-month supply
Best Liquid Iron Supplement: Floradix Iron + Herbs Liquid Supplement
Iron supplements come in a wide range of forms to suit different preferences, so for those who’d prefer to drink their iron in liquid form, the Floradix Iron + Herbs Liquid Supplement is a great choice.
Coming in a large 17-ounce bottle, this liquid iron supplement contains fruit juices and natural herbal extracts to deliver both a pleasant taste and additional vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and more. Floradix promises an all-natural formula, so the liquid is vegetarian-friendly, alcohol-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, and free from artificial additives.
In addition to its unique liquid form, this supplement also stands out for its low-dose formula and its use of ferrous gluconate. Those who choose this supplement should, of course, follow the directions closely: Floradix recommends that adults take a 10mL dose twice per day, ideally within 30 minutes before a meal.
Floradix Iron + Herbs Liquid Supplement Key Features:
- 17-ounce (500mL) bottle of liquid
- Includes Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and more
- Non-GMO and vegetarian
- Alcohol-free and dairy-free
Best Chewable Iron Supplement: Fusion Lifestyle Iron Soft Chews
Boasting a cherry flavor and a chewy, candy-like texture, the Fusion Lifestyle Iron Soft Chews are a great pick for those who’d prefer their iron supplement in an easy-to-take chewable form. These soft chews come in a pack of 60, with a suggestion of one soft chew per serving.
Each of these cherry-flavored chews contains 45mg of iron as ferrous fumarate, along with 60mg of Vitamin C. These soft chews aim to mirror candy’s taste and texture, and many happy customers love their flavor. These supplements are also unique in that they are individually-wrapped, which makes them portable and convenient—great for keeping in a bag while you’re running errands or packing along for longer trips.
While the 60-count bottle is intended to be a two-month supply, those who’d prefer to invest in a longer-lasting supply can also order a 180-count bottle of these cherry-flavored soft chews.
Fusion Lifestyle Iron Soft Chews Key Features:
- 60 soft chews
- 45mg of iron per serving
- Cherry flavored
- Individually wrapped
Who Should Buy an Iron Supplement
While many people are able to get all the iron they need through food alone, there are some situations in which adding an iron supplement to your diet may be a good idea. In particular, those who have iron-deficiency anemia may look into adding an iron supplement, as advised by a healthcare professional. Pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent blood donors, people with cancer, and people with certain gastrointestinal disorders are some of the most likely groups to not be getting enough iron through diet alone.
Iron can be dangerous if taken in excessive amounts, so it is important to talk with your doctor in order to determine if adding an iron supplement would be right for you. If you determine that you might need a different supplement after talking with your doctor, you can also check out our lists on some of the best liver and fiber supplements to jumpstart your search.
Important Features to Consider
An iron supplement should have a few important features that match your needs and preferences. Here’s what to consider when selecting an iron supplement for you:
- Form. Iron supplements come in a wide variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, liquids, melting tablets, and chews. Deciding which form you would prefer to take is an easy way to start narrowing down your options.
- Dose. Different iron supplements can contain vastly different doses of iron per serving, so be sure to get a recommendation from your doctor on the appropriate dose for you and to follow that recommendation precisely. Taking too much iron can be toxic, and it can be especially dangerous for children, so it is essential to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate amount for you.
- Type. A variety of different types of iron are commonly used in iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. Check with your doctor to determine the best type for you, and then look out for iron supplements using that type of iron.
- Price per serving. When considering the price of an iron supplement, make sure to look at both the overall price and the price per serving, so you can more easily compare prices across options.
- Other ingredients and dietary restrictions. Some iron supplements contain other nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12 in addition to iron. For those with dietary restrictions, look out for supplements that are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, or soy-free, depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do iron supplements do?
Iron supplements offer a convenient way to give your body additional iron if you are not getting enough through food alone. Iron supplements do this in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and liquids.
What are the side effects of taking iron tablets?
Iron tablets can cause side effects for some people, and gastrointestinal side effects tend to be the most common. These can include constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Importantly, while taking iron correctly and in the recommended dose is often considered safe for most people, taking too much iron can be very dangerous, especially for children. Too much iron can lead to iron poisoning, which can be fatal, so it is essential to check with your doctor before taking an iron supplement and to monitor any side effects closely.
When should I take iron, morning or night?
Most iron supplements come with instructions on when or how to take them, so your best bet is to follow the specific instructions on the package and consult your doctor for any additional advice.
How much iron should I take?
Because of the risks of taking too much iron, it is important to only take the recommended dose, which will vary depending on a number of factors like age, sex, and physical condition. For instance, the Recommended Dietary Allowance for adult males is around 10mg, while the RDA for pregnant females is around 30mg. To determine how much iron you should take, talk with your doctor and then only take the recommended dosage.
Other Iron Supplements We Reviewed
In addition to our top picks, we looked at 20 other iron supplements. Even though they didn’t make our top five iron supplements list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for adding iron to your diet. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Iron Supplement Tablets & Melting Tablets
- Iron Supplement Capsules
- Iron Supplement Chews, Liquids, and Softgels
Iron Supplement Tablets and Melting Tablets
21st Century Slow Release Iron Tablets
Coming in a 60-count bottle, these iron supplements from 21st Century are gluten-free tablets that are manufactured in a cGMP facility, at a very affordable price per serving.
Key Features:
- 60 tablets total
- Gluten-free
- 45mg of iron per tablet
- Manufactured in a cGMP facility
Cost: $4
EZ Melts Iron Fast-Melting Tablets
These fast-melting iron tablets from EZ Melts come in a container of 90 tablets, with a suggestion of one tablet per serving. Featuring an orange flavor, each tablet contains 18mg of iron.
Key Features:
- 90 tablets per bottle
- Fast-melting tablets in an orange flavor
- 18mg of iron per serving
- Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
Cost: $20
Feosol Complete with Patented Bifera Iron Caplets
Coming in a bottle of 30 caplets, these Feosol caplets are designed to be taken once per day at any time, with each caplet containing two forms of iron: heme and non-heme.
Key Features:
- 30 caplets
- Contains two types of iron: heme and non-heme
- Formulated for sensitive stomachs
- 28mg of iron per caplet
Cost: $15
MegaFood Blood Builder Minis Daily Iron Supplement and Multivitamin
Those who have trouble swallowing large tablets may appreciate these MegaFood Blood Builder Minis, which come in a fairly small twice-daily tablet. This bottle contains 60 tablets, for 30 servings total.
Key Features:
- 60 tablets total, two tablets per serving
- 26mg of iron per serving
- Includes Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, folic acid, and beetroot
- Made without GMOs
Cost: $16
This bottle from Nature Made offers a large supply of iron supplement tablets, with 180 tablets total. Nature Made suggests taking one tablet daily with water and a meal, so this should be a 180-day supply.
Key Features:
- 180 tablets total, one tablet per day
- 65mg of iron per tablet
- Iron from ferrous sulfate
Cost: $7
Rainbow Light – Complete Iron Mini-Tabs
Coming in a bottle of 60 tablets, these Rainbow Light iron mini-tabs offer 30mg of iron per serving and contain Vitamin C and ginger, as well as fig, prune, and raisin powders, meant to help with digestion.
Key Features:
- 60 tablets total
- 30mg of iron per serving
- Contain fig, prune, and raisin powders
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cost: $13
Renzo’s Iron Strong Melty Tabs
These vegan Melty Tabs from Renzo’s are made with kids in mind, boasting a kid-friendly orange flavor and easy-dissolving design.
Key Features:
- 90 melty tabs per box
- Kid-friendly orange flavor
- Made with zero sugar
- Tabs are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO
Cost: $20
Slow Fe Slow Release Iron Supplement
Coming with 60 tablets total, these Slow Fe tablets contain 45mg of elemental iron each, which is equivalent to 142mg of ferrous sulfate. For those who want a larger supply, this supplement is also available in a two-pack or three-pack.
Key Features:
- 60 tablets, one tablet per serving
- 45mg of elemental iron per tablet
- Contains ferrous sulfate
Cost: $20
Vitron-C High Potency Iron Supplement with Vitamin C
Coming with 60 coated tablets each containing 65mg of elemental iron, this Vitron-C supplement is meant to be taken once per day. Each tablet also contains Vitamin C, designed to help absorption.
Key Features:
- 60 tablets per bottle, one tablet per serving
- 65mg of elemental iron per tablet
- Contains Vitamin C
Iron Supplement Capsules
If you’re looking for a large, affordable supply of iron capsules, make sure to check out this option from Amazon Elements: it comes in a bottle of 195 capsules total with a suggestion of one capsule per serving, so this should be a six-month supply.
Key Features:
- 195 capsules per bottle, one capsule per serving
- 18mg of iron per capsule
- Made to be gluten-free and vegan
- Backed by a satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $12
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron Supplement
Coming in a pack of 30, these vegan capsules from Garden of Life are made with 23 fruits and vegetables and contain 22mg of whole food iron per capsule. In addition to iron, these capsules also contain Vitamins C, B12, and folate.
Key Features:
- 30 capsules total, one capsule per serving
- 22mg of whole food iron per capsule
- Made with 23 fruits and vegetables
- Contains Vitamins C, B12, and folate
Cost: $15
Pure Micronutrients Iron Plus Supplement
Coming in a pack of 120 capsules with one capsule per serving, this iron supplement from Pure Micronutrients offers a fairly large supply, with 25mg of iron per serving. While these capsules are designed to be easy to swallow, it’s worth noting that they do contain gelatin.
Key Features:
- 120 capsules total, one capsule per serving
- 25mg of iron per capsule
- Also contains Vitamins C, B6, B12, and Folinic Acid
Cost: $22
Solgar Gentle Iron Vegetable Capsules
With 25mg of iron per capsule, these Solgar iron capsules come in a large supply of 180 servings total, while being gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly.
Key Features:
- 180 capsules total
- 25mg of iron per capsule
- Free from gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar
- Non-GMO
Cost: $16
Thorne Research Iron Supplement Capsules
Coming in a convenient once-per-day capsule, this iron supplement from Thorne Research contains 25mg of iron per capsule, and promises to be free from gluten and other major allergens, to suit a range of dietary restrictions.
Key Features:
- 60 capsules, one capsule per serving
- 25mg of iron per serving
- Free from gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, yeast, and fish
Cost: $13
Coming in a container of 100 capsules total with 25mg of iron per one-capsule serving, these iron capsules from Zahler are proudly made in a GMP-certified facility and also contain Vitamin C, B12, and folic acid.
Key Features:
- 100 capsules total
- One capsule per serving
- 25mg of iron per serving
- Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility
Iron Supplement Chews, Liquids, and Softgels
If you’d prefer your supplement in a chewable gummy, these Chapter One iron gummies are worth considering. Offering 60 flavored gummies in a pack, these gummies contain 5mg of iron each and also include Vitamin C, while staying free from soy, egg, gluten, dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
Key Features:
- 60 gummies total
- 5mg of iron per gummy
- Also contains Vitamin C
- Made to be free from dairy, soy, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and egg
Cost: $15
If a liquid supplement is more your thing, this Nature’s Way Liquid Iron is another option worth checking out. Coming in a 16-ounce bottle, this supplement offers a berry flavor with 18mg of elemental iron per one-tablespoon serving.
Key Features:
- Berry-flavored liquid
- 16-ounce bottle
- 18mg of elemental iron per one-tablespoon serving
- 32 servings per bottle
Cost: $9
NaturesPlus High Potency Chewable Iron Tablets
Coming in a chewable tablet, this iron supplement from NaturesPlus offers 27mg of iron per tablet and is made with a base of natural ingredients like beetroot, raspberry leaves, and rose hips—making it a good option for those who have trouble swallowing large pills.
Key Features:
- 90 chewable tablets
- 27mg of iron per tablet
- Made with a base of beetroot, raspberry leaves, and rose hips
- Contains Vitamin C
Cost: $16
NaturesPlus Hema-Plex Iron Softgels
If you’d prefer to take a few small softgels rather than one large tablet, these iron softgels from NaturesPlus may be a good option. With three softgels per serving for a total of 85mg of iron, this 60-count pack offers 20 total servings.
Key Features:
- 60 softgels per container, three softgels per serving
- 85mg of iron per serving
- 300mg of Vitamin C per serving
- Mixed with spinach, beet, broccoli, and spirulina
Cost: $10
NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron Supplement
With a raspberry grape flavor and a fairly low dose of 15mg of elemental iron per 1mL serving, this liquid iron supplement from NovaFerrum is made with kids in mind. Because too much iron can be very dangerous for children, always check with your pediatrician first.
Key Features:
- 4 fluid-ounce bottle
- Raspberry grape flavor
- 120 servings per bottle
- 15mg of elemental iron per 1mL serving
Cost: $26
