Are you aware about different formulations of iron tablets?

Iron is an essential mineral that the human body needs in the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Iron deficiency

can lead to anemia, fatigue, and weakened immunity. If you are iron-deficient, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get the right iron supplement. For better knowledge, here are the formulations of iron tablets available in the market.

Ferrous sulfate

This is the most common and affordable formulation of

iron supplements

. Typically, each tablet contains 65 mg of elemental iron, or the amount of iron available for absorption. This iron formulation is ideal for people with mild to moderate iron deficiency. It is also cost-effective than other formulations of iron.
This can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, and can cause constipation, nausea, and stomach upset. Individuals who do not have major digestive issues and can manage these simple side effects can go for it.

Ferrous fumarate

Ferrous fumarate

contains a higher concentration of elemental iron—typically around 106 mg per tablet. This makes it a strong choice for individuals with severe iron deficiency or anemia. Its high iron content means you can take fewer tablets to meet your daily needs, but like ferrous sulfate, it can cause digestive issues in some users.

Due to the high iron content, there may be an increased risk of constipation or stomach upset.

Ferrous gluconate

Ferrous gluconate

is a gentler alternative and is a good option for those who experience side effects from more potent formulations. Although it contains less elemental iron (about 35 mg per tablet), it has fewer side effects and this makes it easier for people to stick to it.
Because it contains less iron per dose, you may need to take more tablets to reach your daily iron requirement. However, this is a better alternative for those who have a sensitive stomach and are unable to process the other formulations of iron.

Ferrous ascorbate

Ferrous ascorbate

is a popular iron supplement formulation that combines ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This combination enhances the absorption of iron in the body, as vitamin C helps reduce ferric iron (Fe³⁺) to its more absorbable ferrous form. It is recommended for individuals with iron deficiency anemia. It is a good choice for people who need iron supplementation but have trouble absorbing it from food or other iron supplements.

One of the major advantages of ferrous ascorbate is its gentler effect on the stomach.

Gastrointestinal side effects

like constipation and nausea are not so common in those who consume it.

Ferrous bisglycinate

Ferrous Bisglycinate

is a highly absorbable iron supplement formulated by chelating ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) with two glycine molecules. This enhances the bioavailability of iron while reducing the gastrointestinal side effects commonly seen in other iron supplements. It is useful for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those who are prone to constipation or nausea.

One of the key benefits of ferrous bisglycinate is its high absorption rate. The chelated form of iron is better tolerated by the body and does not compete with other minerals for absorption, which makes it suitable for long-term use.

This formulation is commonly recommended for people with low iron levels, pregnant women, and those who need a gentle yet effective iron supplement without the harsh side effects of traditional iron formulations.