10 Best Iron Tablets for Women: Top Picks for Energy, Health, and Wellness

Iron is a vital mineral required for a variety of biological activities. For women, especially those who are menstruating or pregnant, maintaining iron levels is more crucial. Insufficient iron intake or iron deficiency can cause fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and other health problems. Fortunately, there are iron supplements for women that can help increase iron levels. This blog will guide you on the top 10 iron tablets for women.

Why is Iron Essential?

This is how iron is crucial to maintaining good health:

• Supports Oxygen Transport: Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to all body parts.

• Boosts Energy Levels: Prevents fatigue and weakness by ensuring the efficient delivery of sufficient oxygen to tissues.

• Supports Immune Health: Strengthens the immune system, which helps the body fight against infections.

• Enhances Cognitive Function: Supports brain health by improving memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function.

• Improves Muscle Function: Ensures muscles receive the desired amount of oxygen to function efficiently.

• Vital During Pregnancy: Supports the mother and baby's health by helping with the development of the fetus and preventing the risk of anemia.

10 Best Iron Tablets for Women

The brands we've highlighted here are among the top iron supplements for women:

1. Carbamide Forte Iron Supplement

Key Features:

• Supports health during pregnancy by helping with effective red blood cell formation.
• Reloads iron levels that are essential for proper immune system function and energy production, making you feel rejuvenated.
• Enriched with Vitamin C that aids in effective iron absorption, ensuring improvements in physical performance & mental alertness.

• Pros: Easy to swallow and leaves no unpleasant aftertaste, ensuring an effortless experience.

• Cons: Constipation, upset stomach, diarrhea, black stools, and stomach cramps that are generally temporary.

• Cost: INR 499

2. MegaFood Blood Builder

Key Features:

• Made with natural food ingredients like vitamins B-12 & C, beetroots, blackstrap molasses, and spinach to support iron absorption.
• Consists of vitamin C and folic acid to improve the effectiveness of iron.
• Non-constipating iron supplements, making them gentle on the stomach.

• Pros: Highly recommended for boosting energy levels without any side effects.

• Cons: Expensive compared to synthetic iron supplements.

• Cost: INR 2,384

3. Feosol Iron Supplement

Key Features:

• Contains ferrous fumarate, which is a type of iron that the body may easily absorb.

• Ferrous fumarate in it aids in treating or preventing iron-deficiency anemia.

• Also, it consists of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.

• Pros: 3 types of iron, each with incredible benefits

• Cons: Side effects like constipation, upset stomach, stomach cramps, or diarrhea, and are highly priced.

• Cost: INR 2,798

4. BeLive Iron Gummies

Key Features:

• BeLive iron gummies can help you have a healthier pregnancy, perform better in sports, and have more energy.

• Made with grape flavor, these gummies are the most convenient method to acquire your iron regularly.

• Their iron-chewable vital nutrients include Vitamin C, A, Folic Acid, Zinc, and Vitamin B complex (B3, B5, B6, and B12), which fuel your mind and body's need for health and fitness.

• Pros: Easily digested and gentle on the stomach.

• Cons: Iron sensitivity due to overconsumption of iron, leading to health risks.

• Cost: INR 1,431

5. Floradix Liquid Iron Supplement

Key Features:

• Combines iron (ferrous gluconate), vitamin C, and herbal extracts for enhanced iron absorption.

• Easily absorbed without causing an upset stomach or constipation.

• No artificial flavors or preservatives.

• Pros: Tolerable and absorbable. The best option for people with difficulty swallowing tablets.

• Cons: Distinctive taste that might not be pleasurable for everyone.

• Cost: INR 5361

6. New Chapter Fermented Iron Complex

Key Features:

• Formulated using organic whole foods such as beetroot, parsley, and organic spinach.
• Consists of a combination of vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, and folate for effective absorption.
• Easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.

• Pros: Well-tolerated even by those people who have sensitive stomachs and are certified organic.

• Cons: Higher price than synthetic options.

• Cost: INR 2,723.64

7. NOW Foods Iron Complex

Key Features:

• Contains 18 milligrams of iron from ferrous bisglycinate for enhanced absorption.
• Includes more nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folic acid to improve iron absorption and promote overall health.
• Made with high-quality ingredients and is a gluten-free and non-GMO product.

• Pros: Gentle on the stomach, affordable, and widely available.

• Cons: A relatively low iron dosage of iron. Some individuals may experience mild digestive problems.

• Cost: INR 1,299

8. Nature Made Iron 65 mg 

Key Features:

• One of the best iron tablets for pregnant women, which consists of 65 mg of iron content,  about 361% of the daily recommended value.
• Easily digestible and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
• Free from artificial flavors and colors.

• Pros: Ideal for females who are beginners to manage low iron levels. Inexpensive and widely available.

• Cons: Some users may experience mild constipation.

• Cost: INR 937.41

9. Slow Fe Iron Supplement

Key Features:

• Most recommended by a doctor for iron deficiency and anemia.

• High potency formula, containing 45 mg of iron for enhanced absorption.

• Gentle on the stomach and easy to swallow.

• Pros: Slow-release formula, minimizing stomach discomfort.

• Cons: Lower dose, so may not be suitable for people struggling with severe iron deficiencies.

• Cost: INR 4,625

10. Vitron-C Iron Supplement

Key Features:

• Contains 65 mg of iron and 125 mg of vitamin C for high iron absorption.

• Includes vital vitamins and minerals to boost immunity and support overall health.

• Offers a high-potency iron dose that helps fight off fatigue.

• Pros: Gentle on the stomach with fewer gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Cons: Constipation, upset stomach, or diarrhea may occur.

• Cost: INR 1,107.96

Benefits of Iron Supplements for Women

This is how iron supplements benefit women:

• Alleviates Iron Deficiency Anemia: Restores iron levels, which helps prevent dizziness, fatigue, and weakness caused by anemia.

• Enhances Energy Levels: Promotes hemoglobin production, boosting energy and oxygen circulation throughout the body.

• Improves Immune Function: Enough iron content boosts immunity, which helps the body fight off infections.

• Promotes Healthy Pregnancy: Helps with fetal development and alleviates complications such as low birth weight and preterm birth.

• Supports Cognitive Function: Maintains concentration and focus, and improves mental clarity by promoting brain health.

• Lowers Fatigue Risk During Menstruation: Restores iron lost during periods, which, in turn, reduces the risk of fatigue.

Foods To Eat While Taking Iron Supplements

When taking iron tablets for women, the first thing to keep in mind is diet. The right food choice will aid in the proper absorption of iron by the body.

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries to enhance iron absorption.

• Lean Proteins: Chicken, tofu, turkey, and fish to help with the effective absorption of iron.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale for high content of iron and other nutrients.

• Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, and oats for fiber and additional nutrients.

• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans, which are incredible plant-based sources of iron.

Important Tips:

• Avoid calcium-rich foods such as dairy products or tea, and coffee as they slow down iron absorption.

• When taking iron supplements, consume lots of fluids, preferably water, to prevent the risk of constipation, a common adverse effect of iron supplements.

How Much Iron Should a Woman Take?

The daily iron recommendation for women is 18 mg. However, depending on their particular needs, some women may require more or less. Here is the recommended amount of iron based on age as per the National Institutes of Health:

Note: Consult your doctor if you need clarification about how much iron you should take.

Who Should Use Iron Supplements?

People who are at risk of iron deficiency may benefit from taking an iron supplement. Those individuals include:

• infants and kids

• pregnant women

• individuals with heavy menstruation

• people with cancer, like colon cancer

• individuals with gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease

• individuals with heart failure

• people who often donate blood

• athletes

Note: Always consult a doctor to know whether you need an iron supplement. Moreover, never give these supplements to your children without a doctor's guidance, as children are more at risk of iron toxicity compared to adults. 

How to Take Iron Supplements?

Here are the safe and effective tips for taking an iron supplement:

• Take One Dose Daily on an Empty Stomach: Take the dose as per your age and health needs on an empty stomach for better iron absorption. However, if it causes an upset stomach, have it with a smaller meal.

• Don’t Overdose: Take the dose as prescribed by your doctor or as instructed on the label to avoid excessive consumption, which can be harmful.

• Use with Vitamin C: Take it with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits or oranges to enhance iron absorption.

• Avoid Calcium-Rich Foods: Do not take iron supplements with dairy products or calcium-rich supplements as they can slow down iron absorption.

• Drink Water: Take the iron supplement with a lot of water to ease digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.

• Wait Before Other Medicines: If you're taking other medicines, wait for about 2 hours before or after taking iron supplements to avoid drug interactions.

Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can lead to some side effects such as:

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Upset stomach

• Abdominal pain

• Black stools

Iron toxicity can occur in cases of excessive iron intake. So, take the dose as prescribed by your doctor. 

Note: If you have any of these negative effects, stop using the supplement and contact your doctor immediately. 

Drug Interactions of Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can interact with certain medications, which can lower their effectiveness and lead to other health issues. Those medicines include:

• Thyroid Medications: E.g., levothyroxine, whose absorption can be reduced by iron supplements.

• Parkinson's Disease Medications: Research shows that the absorption of Levodopa, used to treat Parkinson's disease, can be lowered by the use of iron supplements.

• Antibiotics: Iron supplements can reduce the absorption and thus effectiveness of antibiotics like tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics.

Other medications include:

• Bisphosphonates like alendronate

• Penicillamine such as Cuprimine or Depen

• Methyldopa

• Antacids

• Folic acid

• Captopril

• Thyroxine

How to Choose the Best Iron Supplement?

Consider these factors when selecting an iron supplement:

• Forms: Look for iron supplements like oral tablets, liquids, and chewables that suit your tolerance levels, preferences, and ease of digestion.

• Dosage: Take the supplement with an effective iron dose that suits the level of your iron deficiency, which is typically 18 to 65 mg daily for many women.

• Quality: The product must have undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

• Iron Type: Choose types of iron, such as ferrous sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate, based on your health needs and tolerance. Ferrous gluconate is much gentler on the stomach.

• Additional Nutrients: Check for additional nutrients like vitamins B12, vitamin C, and folic acid that boost iron absorption and support overall health.

• Dietary Considerations: Ensure the product matches your dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

• Price: Choose the supplement that suits your budget. But always choose quality over a budget. 

Final Thoughts

Here are the best iron tablets for women that meet their iron needs, particularly in those who have iron deficiency due to pregnancy, menstruation, and other factors. From enhancing iron and energy levels to promoting a healthy pregnancy, they provide significant benefits to women. Make sure to consider quality, dietary preferences, and existing health issues when selecting the supplement to ensure maximum effectiveness. If you experience any side effects that last longer, see a doctor.