Best Iron Supplement of 2025

ByJoshua Shafley

Fatigue, brain fog, pale skin – been there, done that, got the doctor’s bill.

But then comes the fun part: walking into a supplement store and staring at 50 different iron options that all claim to be “the best.”

I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to waste your money on supplements that either don’t work or make you spend all day in the bathroom.

Let’s break down the four top contenders.

LifeSeasons Blood Nourish-R

Product Description:
LifeSeasons Blood Nourish-R is for people with iron deficiency symptoms – fatigue, paleness, and that “why am I dizzy when I stand up?” feeling. It comes in a capsule with iron, alfalfa, raspberry, and vitamin B12.

Their big claim? It won’t constipate you like other iron supplements. (If you’ve ever taken iron before, you know exactly why this matters)

Ingredients & Key Claims:

• Iron: Amount not specified (red flag anyone?)
• Vitamin B12: Helps make red blood cells
• Alfalfa and Raspberry: Plant sources with minimal iron
• Gluten-Free, Non-GMO: For the health conscious

Pros:

• Won’t make you constipated (allegedly)
• Plant-based formula for the “I don’t do chemicals” crowd
• Easy to swallow capsules

Cons:

• They don’t tell you how much iron you’re actually getting (that’s like buying a protein powder that doesn’t list the protein content)
• No third-party testing
• Zero clinical data to back up their claims
• Might not have enough iron to actually help you

NaturesPlus Hema-Plex Iron

Product Description:
NaturesPlus Hema-Plex Iron is the heavyweight of iron supplements – 85mg of chelated iron per tablet, plus vitamin C and bioflavonoids. It’s slow-release and comes as 3 bottles with 30 tablets each.

Ingredients & Key Claims:

• Chelated Iron (85 mg): A massive dose in a form that’s easier on your stomach
• Vitamin C (60 mg): Helps your body actually absorb the iron
• Bioflavonoids: For blood vessel health (apparently)
• Slow-Release: To prevent the “iron bomb” effect on your stomach

Pros:

• The 85mg iron content is no joke – it’s serious firepower for deficiency
• Chelated form means better absorption and less stomach upset
• Vitamin C inclusion is smart (it actually doubles iron absorption)
• Slow-release design might save your digestive system

Cons:

• 85mg is way above the daily limit for most people – this is not for casual use
• Even with the fancy formulation, this much iron can still cause side effects
• No third-party testing to verify what’s actually in it
• Costs more than basic iron supplements

Nutricost Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) 65 mg

Product Description:
Nutricost Iron is the no-frills option – 65mg of ferrous sulfate per tablet, 240 tablets per bottle. It’s the Toyota Corolla of iron supplements: nothing fancy, gets the job done.

Ingredients & Key Claims:

• Ferrous Sulfate (65 mg): The OG iron supplement your grandma probably took
• Non-GMO, Gluten-Free: Basic dietary checkboxes
• Bulk Supply: Enough tablets to last approximately forever

Pros:

• Cheap as dirt compared to fancy formulations
• Ferrous sulfate is the gold standard for treating iron deficiency
• Massive bottle means you won’t run out anytime soon

Cons:

• Famous for causing constipation, nausea, and stomach pain
• No vitamin C or other helpers for absorption
• No third-party testing
• Higher dose than you might need for maintenance

MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron Supplement

Product Description:
MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron is the gentle option – a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free liquid with iron bisglycinate. It’s marketed for pregnant women and those who hate pills.

Ingredients & Key Claims:

• Iron Bisglycinate: A gentle, highly absorbable form
• Liquid Form: For precise dosing
• Claims to be Side-Effect Free: No constipation or stomach issues

Pros:

• Iron bisglycinate is truly easier on the stomach
• Liquid form lets you take exactly what you need
• Meets every dietary restriction imaginable
• Great for pregnant women who already have enough discomfort

Cons:

• Only 5mg of iron per serving (that’s like trying to fill a swimming pool with a teaspoon)
• Tastes like you’re licking a penny (like most liquid iron)
• Expensive per mg of iron compared to tablets
• You might think you’re getting enough iron when you’re not

The Bottom Line

• If you’re severely deficient: Get NaturesPlus Hema-Plex (but ask your doctor first)
• If you’re on a budget: Nutricost Ferrous Sulfate will do the job (just keep bathroom reading material handy)
• If your stomach is sensitive: Try MaryRuth’s Liquid Iron (but you might need a lot of it)
• If constipation is your main concern: LifeSeasons Blood Nourish-R might help (though we don’t know how much iron you’re actually getting)

Remember, always check with your doctor before starting any iron supplement. Too little iron makes you tired, but too much can be toxic.

And if you’re wondering why your iron is low in the first place, maybe look into that before popping supplements. Sometimes the answer is as simple as eating more steak.