Iron is one of the essential minerals required by the human body. If you are pregnant or iron deficient, your healthcare provider may recommend the best iron supplements for pregnancy. Iron is found in food items such as spinach, broccoli, lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, dried fruits, shellfish, red meat, and poultry, but the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests that women, especially pregnant women take a dose of oral iron supplements (of 30mg/day) after their first prenatal appointment (1). Read this post as we list some iron supplements that experts generally recommend for pregnancy. However, before you purchase them, note that you should consult your doctor or dietician.

Things To Remember While Using Iron Supplements

Never consider buying OTC supplements without consulting your doctor. Ask your doctor about the dosage: how many tablets you should take and when to take them. Ideally, it is recommended that you take them one to two hours before or after meals as they are absorbable on an empty stomach. Do not take along with foods such as milk, tea, coffee, cheese, eggs, spinach, whole grains, and yogurt, as these might deplete the supplements’ value. Iron supplements may interfere with certain medications. Tell your doctor about the other medicines you are taking. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.

10 Iron Supplements For Pregnancy

1. Best For Fatigue: Mega Food Blood Builder

The Blood Builder from Mega Food is clinically studied to combat fatigue and increase energy levels without causing constipation or nausea. The supplement also contains beetroot and orange extracts that promote iron absorption. It could be taken on an empty stomach at any time of the day. For more information about the product, click this video. Pros

Made with farm-fresh whole foods Improves digestion Offers folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C Free of gluten, soy, and dairy Safe for menstruating women and teenage girls A good option for vegans and vegetarians

Cons

May have a strange taste

2. Best For Hemoglobin: Zahler’s Iron Complex

Zahler’s Iron complex claims to be a complete blood-building iron supplement containing all the nutrients needed for hemoglobin formation and production of RBCs. It contains Ferrochel, an effective form of iron. This supplement meets the highest nutraceutical standards and is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. Check this video to learn more about the product. Pros

Easy on the stomach Easily absorbed Addresses all forms of anemia Contains B12 and folic acid along with iron Gives better results when taken along with food

Cons

Magnesium in the supplement may cause gas and bloating in some May taste strange

3. Best Natural Extracts: Floravital Liquid Iron Supplement

Floradix offers a liquid iron supplement for pregnancy. Made from natural herbal extracts and fruit juices, it helps prevent and manage iron deficiency by promoting hemoglobin production. It is suitable for nursing, menstruating, and athletic women and also for men and growing children. Pros

Yeast and gluten-free formula Herbal extracts and fruit juices offer it a good taste Free of alcohol, lactose, and dairy Low-dose supplement Has no added colors, preservatives, or artificial flavoring

Cons

May have unappealing smell and taste May cause nausea

4. Best For Everyday Use: Slow Fe Iron Supplement Tablets

One of the doctor-recommended iron supplements, this provides a good amount of iron to improve the transfer of oxygen via blood. Iron is present in the form of ferrous sulfate that is easily absorb able. It is formulated for everyday intake. Pros

Easy-to-swallow Gentle on the stomach Widely available and a budget-friendly option A slow-release formula that is good for the gastrointestinal system

Cons

May cause stomach problems for those having a sensitive stomach May not be effective for everyone

5. Best Chewable: Vita Raw Iron Gummies With Multivitamins

The chew able iron supplements for pregnancy are grape-flavored and have a delicious aftertaste. They are clinically balanced gummies containing essential micro nutrients along with iron. It is created from all-natural and non-GMO ingredients. Pros

Easy-to-chew gummy tablet May treat anemia and improve hemoglobin levels Boosts the immune system and could increase energy levels Supports healthy pregnancy Gentle on the tummy Formulated to take two units a day Free of gelatin, soy, and gluten

Cons

May cause constipation High in calories and sugars Has a gummy texture

6. Best Absorbing: Triquetra Health Ionic Liquid Iron Supplement

Here is another liquid iron supplement for pregnancy that offers the ionic form of iron. This bio available form of iron is made from earth-sourced minerals that allow smaller dosage intake. Formulated for one to two doses per day, it is produced in cGMP-certified facilities. Pros

Easily absorb able Free of artificial flavors and ingredients Improves blood health and energy levels Improves fingernail and hair health Vegan-friendly supplement

Cons

The taste may not be appealing May not work in case of severe anemia

7. Best For Vegans And Vegetarians: Veg Life Vegan Iron 25 mg

The Veg Life Vegan iron supplements contain ferrous fumarate to provide iron in a gentle form. It also has folic acid, vitamin C and B12, and is a completely plant-based supplement. The high-potency formula claims to offer around 139% of the daily recommended value. Pros

Ideal for vegans and vegetarians Contains organic concentrates of carrot, broccoli, and tomato Easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach Suitable for both pregnant and nursing women

Cons

Has an unpleasant smell

8. Best Digestible: Fusion Lifestyle Soft Chews

Fusion lifestyle soft chews are the chewable iron supplements with a tasty cherry flavor. Made with optimal amounts of iron and vitamin C, they could help fight anemia and fatigue. They have candy-like texture and taste. Pros

Easy-on-the stomach, and easily digestible Causes no gastrointestinal problems Free from gluten and sugar Easily absorbable A budget-friendly option that would serve for two months

Cons

Some may find them hard to chew The intense cherry flavor may cause nausea in some

9. Best Non-Constipating: Natures Nectar Iron Booster

A scientifically proven natural iron supplement for pregnancy, this one is packed with iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and C. Iron is present in the form of ferrous fumarate, which makes it a non-constipating formula. The recommended dosage is one per day. Pros

Gentle on the stomach Easily absorbable Made with plant-based natural ingredients Free from flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives Aids hemoglobin formation Improves energy levels

Cons

May cause digestive problems in some Ferrous fumarate may offer a low iron dose

10. Best For Immunity: Active Iron High Potency Iron Supplement

Active Iron High Potency supplements are said to be clinically proven to enable better absorption of iron and are formulated to support iron levels and immunity. The non-constipating formula contains 25 milligrams of elemental iron, which is around 138% of daily recommended minimal value. Pros

Causes no gastrointestinal problems Can be taken on an empty stomach Specially formulated to reduce nausea, reflux, and constipation Free from gluten, sugar, and artificial preservatives Suitable for vegetarians

Cons

May cause constipation or gastric discomfort in some May not work for those having high iron-deficiency anemia

How To Choose The Right Iron Supplements?

Here is a list of points to consider while selecting iron supplements for pregnancy.

Why Trust MomJunction?

We have listed the best iron supplements for pregnant women to meet the increased iron requirements during pregnancy. After looking through different products, we bring you vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements to suit your needs. We have also mentioned other features, such as gluten-free and easily digestible, to help you make the right choice. The post also includes tips to remember when having supplements for your safety.

References:

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