Iron deficiency anemia is a condition when your blood does not contain enough oxygen carrying blood cells. This phenomenon is due to the lack of iron in your body, and you may experience the following symptoms
- Tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Pale skin
- Headaches
- Itchiness
- Sore tongue or difficulty swallowing
- Changes in the way food tastes
- Hair loss
- Cravings for non-food items, such as ice or dirt
- Spoon-shaped nails
- Uncontrollable urge to move your legs
Best Iron Supplements in India 2022
#1. Healthkart Iron + Folic Acid with Zinc
Healthkart iron supplements contain natural iron content in the form of spinach leaf powder and synthetic sources of iron content in the form of ferrous bisglycinate.
The folic acid in the Healthkart iron supplements acts by helping your body to produce and maintain new cells.
Healthkart iron supplements use spinach leaf powder along with ferrous bisglycinate and offer 21 mg iron per capsule.
The spinach leaf powder is high in carotenoids which your body turns it into vitamin A. Vitamin A is helpful for your normal vision, boosts your immune system, and reproduction.
The ferrous bisglycinate in the Healthkart iron supplements improves your iron absorption, storage and increases hemoglobin level better than the conventionally used iron salts.
The vitamin B12 in Healthkart iron supplements helps to grow your blood cells. The zinc in the Healthkart iron supplements improves your overall immune and digestive system. Healthkart iron supplements is certified by Food safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Pack – 60 capsules
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- Increases hemoglobin
- Increases red blood cell count
- Strength rating of 21 mg
- Folic acid mixed with iron
Cons
- Initial side effects, such as nausea.
Best for
If you are looking for an iron supplement with folic acid for increasing your hemoglobin level and red blood cell count.
#2. Carbamide Forte Chelated Iron Supplement Tablets with Vitamin C
Carbamide Forte Chelated iron supplement comes with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and Good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification and offers iron in the form of chelated iron.
The chelated iron is a supplemental form of iron that is chemically altered which enables the iron capsule to reach your digestive system without breaking apart. This process increases the ability to prevent low iron blood levels, preventing iron deficiency anemia if you are at high risk.
The vitamin C in Carbamide Forte Chelated iron supplement ensures that the iron offered by the supplement gets absorbed in your body easily. All these processes ensure that you feel less fatigue in your daily routine and feel more energetic.
Pack – 100 capsules
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- Small and easy to swallow tablets.
Cons
- Low strength value (only 17 mg)
Best for
If you are looking for an iron supplement with chelated iron to increase iron level in your blood.
#3. Nature Made Iron Supplement (Iron Capsules)
The iron content in the Nature Made iron supplement is derived from ferrous sulfate and boosts the formation of red blood cells in your bloodstream and helps you to treat iron deficiency anemia.
Nature Made iron supplements do not contain any artificial dyes and flavours and help to increase hemoglobin production. Nature Made iron supplement also helps with your nail health and ensures your nails are not brittle due to iron deficiency.
Pack – 180 tablets
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- High strength value of 65 mg
Cons
- Lacks additional nutrients
Best for
If you are looking for an iron supplement with iron content alone and no other additional nutrients.
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Best Iron Supplements For Pregnancy In India
#4. Inlife Iron Folic Acid Supplement
Iron content gets quickly depleted from your body during the developing stage of your fetus. This results in iron deficiency anemia if you are pregnant.
Inlife Iron Folic Acid Supplement is GMP certified and contains iron and folic acid as its major ingredients. The iron and folic acid in the Inlife Iron Folic Acid Supplement prevent you from maternal anemia by providing the 100 mg source of iron per serving for your daily needs.
The folic acid in Inlife Iron Folic Acid Supplement reduces your baby’s risk of severe neural tube defects and helps to prevent significant congenital disabilities of your baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Folic acid along with iron also helps to promote blood cell production in your body during your pregnancy.
Pack – 60 tablets
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- High strength value of 100 mg
- Prevents maternal anemia in pregnant women
Cons
- Artificial sweetener present
Best for
Pregnant women looking to prevent you from maternal anemia and reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
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#5. Blue Iron Supplement
Blue Iron Supplement comes in liquid form, which makes the supplement more palatable and easy to consume. The nordic blueberry concentrate in the Blue Iron Supplement makes the supplement tasty.
The vitamin C in Blue Iron Supplement boosts your immune system and reduces your risk of suffering from iron deficiency anaemia during your pregnancy period. The vitamin B12 in Blue Iron Supplement helps to prevent spina bifida and central nervous system birth defects in your baby.
The vitamin E in Blue Iron Supplement helps to widen your blood vessels, preventing the clotting of the blood inside your blood vessels and prevents stretch marks during your pregnancy.
Vitamin C, B12, and E combined help to absorb iron easily and boosts the production of hemoglobin. The patented absorption of Blue Iron Supplement makes it gentle on your stomach and alleviates constipation associated with iron supplements.
Pack – 330 ml
Recommended Dosage – 3 teaspoons (approximately 15 ml) per day.
Pros
- Presence of blueberries makes the supplement have a less medicinal taste.
Cons
- Moderate strength value of 15 to 25 mg per consumption
Best for
Pregnant women in the initial pregnancy stage, looking for a moderate iron supplement.
#6. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron Supplement
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw iron supplement is a vegan, GMO free, gluten free iron supplement which is made of natural plant extracts.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw iron supplement contains 22 mg of plant based iron, vitamin B12, C and folates.
Vitamin B12 combined with the folic acid in folates promotes healthy growth and prevents spinal and central nervous system birth defects in your baby.
The vitamin C in Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw iron supplement boosts your immune system and reduces your risk of suffering from iron deficiency anaemia during your pregnancy period. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen that supports normal growth, healthy tissue and wound healing. Vitamin C also helps to promote your baby’s physical development.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw iron supplement contains probiotics and enzymes that support digestive health by increasing the good bacteria in your stomach, which prevents diarrhoea or constipation.
Pack – 30 capsules
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- Contains probiotics and enzymes
- Do not contain any binders and fillers
Cons
- Initial side effects such as irritable bowels.
Best for
Pregnant women looking for iron supplements to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of suffering from iron deficiency.
#7. Floradix Floravital Iron And Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula
Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula contains organic iron from ferrous gluconate, vitamin B2, B6, B12 and C.
The organic iron in Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula helps to produce hemoglobin for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Organic Iron also helps to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and your fetus.
The vitamin B2 in Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula helps to develop your blood cells, skin, and digestive tract lining. Vitamin B2 also helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
The vitamin B6 in Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula helps your fetus’ brain development and immune function. Vitamin B6 helps to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
The Vitamin C in Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs Supplement Liquid Extract Formula aids in the production of collagen, which supports normal growth, healthy tissue and wound healing.
Pack – 500 ml
Recommended Dosage – 10 ml twice a day half an hour before breakfast and dinner.
Pros
- Contains organic iron.
- Reduces tiredness and fatigue.
Cons
- Bitter taste
Best for
If you are looking for an organic iron source with natural herbal extracts.
#8. MegaFood – Blood Builder Energy Boosting Iron Supplement
MegaFood – blood builder energy-boosting iron supplement is Kosher and GMO-free certified and contains 26 mg of iron, vitamin C, B, and folates. It is gentle on your stomach and helps to reduce constipation.
MegaFood iron supplement helps to provide the required iron dose to your daily needs and thereby prevents fatigue caused due to iron deficiency or anemia.
The beetroot content in the MegaFood – blood builder energy-boosting iron supplement helps to control your blood pressure if your blood pressure is on the higher side. Beetroot helps to boost your immunity, lowers the risk of osteoporosis, reduces inflammation, and regulates your metabolism, which is common during your pregnancy period.
Pack – 30 tablets
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- Controls blood pressure.
Cons
- Metallic taste
Best for
Pregnant women looking to increase the iron content and reduce constipation.
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Best Iron Supplements For Kids
#9. PureFoods Iron + Vitamins Sugar Free Gummies For Kids
PureFoods are strawberry flavoured gummies containing iron, ascorbic acid, chicory root fiber, pectin, vitamin B9 and B12 as the main ingredients.
The vitamin B9 and B12 in the PureFoods gummies help in boosting the production of red blood cells in your child’s body and helps in digestion and energy production.
The iron in the PureFoods gummies helps to move oxygen from the kid’s lungs to the rest of their body and helps muscles store. PureFoods gummies reduce pale skin, irritability or fussiness, lack of energy in your kids which are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
The ascorbic acid in the PureFoods gummies acts as an antioxidant and immune supporter, helping your kids to build the protein collagen and enhancing the absorption of iron in your kid’s body.
The chicory root fiber in the PureFoods gummies helps to keep the level of bifidobacteria higher and more stable, including during antibiotic treatment. This process helps to prevent infection and utilize vitamins.
The pectin in the PureFoods gummies helps to shorten bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting in your kids.
Pack – 60 strawberry flavored gummies
Recommended Dosage – 1 gummy per day.
Pros
- Gluten free
- Sugar free
- Lactose free
Cons
- Sticks with each other as gummies are temperature sensitive
Best for
If you are looking for iron supplements with flavoured gummies which makes it easy for your kids to consume.
#10. NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops Liquid Iron Supplement
NovaFerrum pediatric drops liquid iron supplement contains iron made from Polysaccharide-Iron Complex to prevent low blood levels of iron and helps to produce red blood cells and keep your kid in good health.
NovaFerrum pediatric drops liquid iron supplement contains natural fruit flavours and fruit sweeteners that your kids can absorb easily. NovaFerrum pediatric drops can be dispensed directly, or you can mix the formula with any sugar free juice.
Pack – 120 ml
Recommended Dosage – 1 teaspoon per day or with sugar free juice.
Pros
- Easily absorbed
- No gluten, sugar, alcohol, parabens, synthetic colors, and caffeine.
Cons
- Strong odour.
Best for
If you are looking for iron supplements that can be easily absorbed by your kids.
#11. Himalayan Organics – Organic Iron Supplement
Himalayan Organics contains beetroot, broccoli leaves, organic iron that helps to transport the oxygen throughout your child’s body and boosts blood formation. The organic iron supplement also helps your kid to feel more energized and boost your child’s immunity system. These features are common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia which are prevented with the consumption of Himalayan Organics iron supplement.
The organic iron also promotes muscle growth and improves concentration in your child. The folic acid in the Himalayan Organics reduces the risk of defects of your kid’s brain and spine.
Pack – 120 capsules
Recommended Dosage – 1 capsule per day.
Pros
- Enriched with beetroot and broccoli leaves.
Cons
- Bitter taste.
Best for
If you are looking for an iron supplement to boost your kid’s blood formation and immunity power.
Benefits Of Iron Supplements
#1. Prevents Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron deficiency anemia is caused due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body cannot produce enough red blood cells that carry oxygen (hemoglobin). This phenomenon leaves you tired and short of breath. The consumption of iron supplements can prevent you from iron deficiency anemia and helps to produce red blood cells.
#2. Prevents Pregnancy Complications
The demand for blood volume and red blood cell production increases drastically to supply the growing fetus with oxygen and nutrients. This process demands more iron intake and iron deficiency can cause complications in newborn such as low birth weight and increase risk of premature birth. Hence, iron supplements which serve additional 30 to 60 mg is required during the pregnancy period.
Low iron in pregnant women is more prone to infections. The iron supplements support the immune system of the pregnant women by reducing the risk of infection with the additional supply of iron.
#3. Boosts Energy Utilization
Insufficient iron in your diet can affect the efficiency with which your body uses energy which results in lack of focus, increased irritability and reduces stamina. Iron carries oxygen to your muscles and brain, which is vital for your mental and physical performance.
#4. Improves Athletic Performance
If you are an athlete and lead an active lifestyle, lack of iron decreases your performance and weakens your immune system activity. The lack of hemoglobin reduces your performance during physical exertion as it decreases your body’s ability to transport oxygen to your muscles. The additional iron intake through the iron supplements rectifies these shortcoming and helps you to lead an active lifestyle.
#5. Reduces Bruising
If you bruise easily, you may suffer from iron deficiency as the hemoglobin affects the production and function of your platelets, which controls blood clotting.
Frequent bruising is an indication that there is a problem with your internal clotting due to the low iron supply and can be rectified with the iron supplements.
Final Verdict
Iron supplements come in different forms such as tablets, liquid and capsules. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, liquid form is a good alternative. However, the slow release tablets or capsules may be better tolerated and gentler on your stomach.
If you are on any kind of medication, check with your physician before starting an iron supplement.
If you are looking for an iron supplement with folic acid to improve hemoglobin level and increase red blood cells, Healthkart Iron + Folic Acid with Zinc is fit for you.
If you are a pregnant woman looking to prevent yourself from maternal anemia and reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your fetus, go for Infline folic acid iron supplements.
If you are looking for flavored iron gummies for your kids, PureFoods Iron + Vitamins Sugar Free Gummies is best fit for you because of their sugar free content that won’t harm the dental health of kids, as well as their strawberry flavour, encourages kids to have them on regular basis.
