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Our editors have researched and taken clean supplements for years — these are the best iron supplements that are backed by science and third-party tested.
Whether you’re feeling sluggish or parenting a picky eater, there are a host of reasons why medical professionals often recommend an iron supplement. With so many choices out there, how can you select the right one for you?
Iron is a mineral that supports your body’s growth and development, and the amount you need depends on a variety of factors, including your age, sex, and diet. We scoured the internet to find the best iron supplements that prioritize the ingredients your body needs — and skipped additives, sweeteners, and fillers.
What should you look for in an iron supplement?
Iron deficiency is common, particularly for people consuming a primarily plant-based diet and menstruating women under the age of 50. Iron deficiency anemia is also the most common type of anemia, and it comes with symptoms such as tiredness and shortness of breath. It’s possible for kids to develop iron deficiency, but you need to pay attention to the risks of iron poisoning or other potential side effects such as constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal-related discomfort.
There are different kinds of iron in supplements, and some are designed to be gentler on more sensitive stomachs. Ferrous bisglycinate and chelated iron supplements are often recognized products that are “better” for digestion, though you’ll want to review your options with your medical provider. Some iron supplements may have bonus vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B complex.
When should you consider iron supplements for kids?
In some cases, it’s appropriate for kids to take an iron supplement, like Hiya. Perhaps your picky eater isn’t getting the recommended amount of iron, even though it’s important to note that most young children receive enough in their daily diet. There is a risk to taking too much iron, which could lead to iron poisoning, so you’ll want to consult with a medical provider before adding this supplement to your child’s routine and read the dosage instructions carefully. It’s also best to avoid any iron supplements with unnecessary additives, sweeteners, and fillers.
Why are clean, third-party tested supplements important?
There are a number of options on the market today, and it’s important to get an unbiased confirmation that your iron supplement is safe, made with high-quality ingredients, and follows through with the claims reported by the brand. Third-party testing checks all of these boxes, giving you more reassurance about the product you’re purchasing to improve your or your child’s health.
Our criteria:
Our editors have tested, researched, and corresponded with leading supplement brands to select our favorite clean iron supplements for women. The options on this list are all thoughtfully composed and dosed by experts, and tested for efficacy and safety. We regularly update this guide with new favorites that meet the following criteria:
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | All supplements are free of unnecessary fillers, sweeteners, or artificial additives and are third-party tested for purity and safety.
- SCIENCE BACKED | These brands use ingredients supported by clinical studies or partner with experts to develop evidence-based formulas.
- EASY TO INCORPORATE | Whether in capsule, powder, or mix-in form, these supplements are designed for convenience and taste, making them simple to add to your daily routine. Below, we’ve noted the daily dosage so you can decide what works best for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about clean, science-backed products, we’ve curated guides for women’s multivitamins, calcium supplements, and what can support you during menopause.
1. Thorne
Best For | Affordability
Active Ingredients | Iron bisglycinate
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at |$15 for 60 capsules
All of Thorne’s products are manufactured at their campus in Summerville, South Carolina, and each one avoids what the brand refers to as their “No List” — “fillers, additives, and allergens that we refused to use in our products.” Thorne’s Iron Bisglycinate is specifically made with a type of iron (Ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelate) to aid digestion, and it’s NSF Certified for Sport. This certification ensures the absence of nearly 300 banned substances and is “the only independent third-party certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the Canadian Football League.”
We’d also be remiss not to mention this is the most budget-friendly pick on our list, coming in at $15 for 60 capsules, or 25 cents per capsule. If you’re ready to officially add it to your routine, you can save up to 20% off when you subscribe to three or more products from Thorne.
Customer Review | “I previously was prescribed iron supplements that were too harsh on my stomach and I would get constipated. Since starting this product my labs have improved and I don’t have stomach issues.” – Gabriela F. (Read more reviews.)
2. Hiya
Best For | Kids ages 2+
Active Ingredients | Vitamin C, carbonyl iron
Daily Dose | 1 tablet per day
Prices starting at | $30 for 30 tablets
Hiya stands out for their kid-friendly formulations that include naturally sweet flavors, and the strawberry-forward iron supplement is no exception. Their Kids Iron+ supplement brand offers products that are sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free — a plus for kids with restricted diets or picky eaters. Hiya has thought about the other important aspect: Creating a welcoming, disarming packaging that your kiddo will love. The glass bottle is a punchy red hue, and comes with stickers to add more fun to their daily supplement routine. Something you’ll appreciate? The bottle is refillable, making it a sustainable choice, too. Plus, the tablets are chewable, so you and your child won’t have to stress about swallowing a pill. The supplement is $30 for a 30-day supply, and you can purchase them for up to five kids at one time, or bundle with a kid-friendly multivitamin.
Keep in mind this supplement is dosed for kids 2 years and older, and the brand says to take it one hour before or after consuming calcium or zinc for “optimal absorption.”
Customer Review | “My little guy loves his vitamins. He is the one to remind me that he needs to [take] his vitamin. I no longer have to fight to get him to take his vitamins.” – Amber F. (Read more reviews.)
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3. Ritual
Best For | Naturally flavored supplements
Active Ingredients | Vitamin A, vitamin C, iron
Daily Dose | 1 capsule every other day
Prices starting at | $22 for 15 capsules
Ritual made a splash in the supplement world back in 2016 with the arrival of their best-selling women’s multivitamin. Since those early days, they’ve released one of our favorite prenatals made with fully traceable nutrients to ensure efficacy and safety. Much like those supplements, Ritual’s iron supplement is vegan, gluten- and major allergen-free, and prioritizes clean ingredients. Another pro is that it’s actually three iron supplements rolled into one capsule: The first tablet instantly releases 20 mg of iron within one hour, the second delivers another 20 mg over two hours to ease digestion, and the third provides the final 20 m over a four- to six-hour timespan. Similar to other iron supplements, Ritual’s is also packed with vitamins A and C. To make your pill-swallowing experience even more enjoyable, each one comes with a citrus taste courtesy of the brand’s essential oil-infused Signature Scent Tab.
Few companies have sustainability efforts as rigorous as this certified B Corp: Their packaging is made from 85% recycled plastic and any emissions are offset as the company works toward their goal to have net zero emissions by 2030.
Customer Review | “I’ve never written a review for a supplement, but this one is worth it. I had tried other iron supplements and liquids only to be nauseous and constipated. This one has none of that. It may be more expensive, but it’s totally worth it.” – Kendra C. (Read more reviews.)
4. Needed
Best For | Prenatal supplements
Active Ingredients | Iron
Daily Dose | 1 capsule up to four times per day
Prices starting at | $21.99 for a 1-month supply
Started by two mothers, Needed is here to support women through trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. The Prenatal Iron supplement, available in a one-, three-, and six-month supply, is prepared with 13.5 mg per capsule, so you can get the exact amount you need and take as many as four per day (just make sure to check with your doctor for your correct dosage). The company also advises using the iron supplement away from their Prenatal Multi, since interactions with other nutrients can affect absorption. They also share a detailed chart showing their recommended dosage from preconception to postpartum.
Another certified B Corp, Needed cares for mothers and Mother Nature. Here are just a few of their give-back initiatives and sustainability efforts: They sell T-shirts with 100% of proceeds going to Every Mother Counts, they’re a Certified Climate Neutral company, have a net-zero plastic footprint, and they’re part of 1% for the Planet.
Customer Review | “I became anemic in my third trimester, which is very common. However, I could tell it was significantly affecting me and my energy level. I immediately turned to Needed’s iron supplement (as I’ve been on Needed’s plan since last year, and have felt such a huge difference ever since starting! Plus, it doesn’t leave me constipated like other iron supplements do. A true win-win!” – Genae G. (Read more reviews.)
5. Momentous
Best For | Athletes
Active Ingredients | Iron, vitamin C, vitamin B complex
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at | $20 for 60 capsules
For the makers at Momentous, science-backed supplements have become their “obsession.” You can see their attention to detail in the Iron+, a supplement containing Ferrochel iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex. Like the iron supplement from Thorne, it’s also NSF Certified for Sport, “with every batch tested for heavy metals, harmful additives, and label claim accuracy.” Emphasizing athletic performance, Momentous works with more than 150 sports teams and experts to craft their meticulously designed products.
The brand says to avoid taking it with calcium or dairy products, which could inhibit absorption, and they recommend pairing it with creatine, whey protein isolate, or omega-3. If you’re interested in what the experts are taking, you can also review the supplement routine of experts like Dr. Stacy Sims and Dr. Andy Galpin.
Customer Review | “I was severely anemic and I needs an iron supplement that worked well and didn’t give me stomach problems. Within a week of taking the iron+ I can tell the difference with how I feel. I have more energy and I’m sleeping so much better.” – Nicole C. (Read more reviews.)
6. The Nue Co.
Best For | Plant-based diets
Active Ingredients | Iron, vitamin C, bioflavonoids
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at | $18 for 30 capsules
The Nue Co. intends to help you look and feel good, and their lineup features everything from beauty supplements to iron support. Founder and CEO Jules Miller explains that she was inspired by her family’s plant-based healing practices and her chemist grandfather’s supplement research. “I started The Nue Co. to share that perspective: helping people connect their bodies through products and rituals that are both beautiful and effective,” Miller shared on the website.
When it comes to their extensive collection, you can count on this company for traceable ingredients, and non-toxic, and cruelty-free products. Along with iron (ferrous fumarate), the 100% vegan supplement includes vitamin C and is recommended for “anyone who needs support filling nutritional gaps in their diet.” Subscriptions are available for anyone looking for more consistency and lower prices.
Customer Review | “I’m a vegan and have always struggled to get enough iron in my diet. This iron supplement has been a lifesaver for me. It’s vegan-friendly, easy to take, and has helped me maintain healthy iron levels. I highly recommend it to anyone who follows a plant-based diet.” – Camila J. (Read more reviews.)
7. Future Kind
Best For | Sustainability
Active Ingredients | Iron, vitamin C
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at | $19 for 30 capsules
Future Kind’s iron supplement is a two-for-one, providing you with 100% of your daily iron needs and 56% of vitamin C. Derived from acerola cherry, the vitamin C component is a whole food added to improve the efficacy of the product. You can purchase the brand’s iron supplement in 30-, 90-, or 180-day packs, or subscribe and save. The Future Kind website makes it easy to find the best supplements to support your needs. Simply scroll down to “Shop By Health Goals,” and toggle to the appropriate one. From energy to digestion to sleep, there are several supplements to address each concern.
We love Future Kind’s commitment to sustainability, with an impressive 100% recycled and recyclable eco-friendly packaging, manufacturing in the United States, and carbon-neutral shipping. And if you’re not happy with your purchase, rest assured that you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
Customer Review | “I’m absolutely delighted with the product. As a long-time vegan, I’ve always been mindful of my iron intake, and this supplement has exceeded my expectations. The natural ingredients are a breath of fresh air, and I appreciate that the manufacturer has avoided using synthetic additives.” – Michael (Read more reviews.)
8. New Chapter
Best For | Non-constipating formula
Active Ingredients | Iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, B12, zinc
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at | $27 for 60 capsules
New Chapter’s Fermented Iron Complex, previously known as Iron Food Complex, specifically targets easy digestion. Taken once per day, the brand says their “non-constipating” fermented iron formula is gentle, even on an empty stomach. You can purchase a 60- or 90-day supply of these supplements one time, or subscribe and save 15% off with monthly deliveries.
New Chapter is a certified B Corp and they support local Vermont organizations such as the Vermont Garden Network, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), and Vermont Foodbank. By 2030, they’ve set a goal to reduce virgin plastic use by 66%, and report that they choose glass whenever possible. Their literature is printed on FSC certified paper, and the shipping boxes are 100% cardboard.
Customer Review | “Taking Fermented Iron has increased my blood levels significantly. No problem with constipation like you may have with over the counter iron supplements. Customer for life!” – Gcarol (Read more reviews.)
9. FullWell
Best For | Digestive comfort blend
Active Ingredients | Iron, vitamin C
Daily Dose | 1 capsule per day
Prices starting at | $20 for 30 capsules
FullWell was founded by Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and mom of two who spent nearly 20 years working on fertility cases. Made with the gentler iron bisglycinate, FullWell’s Iron Bump is ideal for women’s everyday health, or those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum. The brand says it’s also great for men’s health or those in the trying-to-conceive phase. Rounding out the formula is vitamin C derived from acerola cherries and their “digestive comfort blend.” A proprietary blend of whole foods, it features components like dandelion and nettle to support easier digestion. Each capsule has 25 mg of iron, meaning you can adjust your intake depending on the dosage provided by your doctor.
Select a one-time purchase, or subscribe and have one bottle shipped each month for 10% off, or a three-month supply delivered at 15% off. It should be noted that FullWell advises customers to take one capsule daily, with or without food, and earlier in the day, away from your prenatal.
Customer Review | “I am beyond impressed by the quality of this iron supplement! My iron level has always been low in the past and every other supplement has left me constipated for days (with just one pill). This one has been incredible, I am still completely regular! There is no aftertaste and you can tell the pill is “legit” just by the smell of actual iron and not chemicals! I highly recommend everyone to try it without hesitation!” – E.B. (Read more reviews.)
Featured image is from The Nue Co.
Blake Bakkila is a freelance writer and editor with eight years of experience covering topics including baby and parenting, food, health, pop culture, and interior design. In addition to The Good Trade, her work has appeared in the digital publications of Architectural Digest, Sunset, Good Housekeeping, and more. She highlighted the best, most game-changing baby and parenting products as the former senior commerce editor at What to Expect and BabyCenter, and she’s also held editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, Health, Real Simple, and People. Blake holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. When she’s not typing, you can usually find her watching anything on Bravo, entertaining her son Rhode, and conducting field research on the best ice cream in Southern California.
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