Which iron supplement is gentlest on the stomach?

Lower dose and slow release forms tend to sit better than a big single dose. Iron taken every second day suits some people, and your doctor may suggest that. Taking it with food softens the effect, though it also slows absorption. If one product upsets you, get in touch and we will suggest a different form.

Should I take iron with vitamin C?

Vitamin C in the same dose helps your body absorb iron, which is why many formulas already include it. A glass of orange juice does a similar job. Tea, coffee, calcium and some antacids work the other way, so leave a couple of hours between them. Read the pack, since directions vary between products.

How long does it take to build iron levels back up?

It is usually months rather than days, and your doctor will repeat the blood test to check. Stored iron is the slowest part to recover, so keep going. Keep taking it for as long as you have been advised, not just until you feel better. Your pharmacist can help you keep the routine going.

Do you stock liquid iron and iron for children?

We carry liquid and drops as well as tablets and capsules, including children's multivitamin liquids that contain iron. Children need a dose suited to their age and weight, so please ask before you buy. Never give an adult iron product to a child. Keep every iron product well out of reach at home.

Which practitioner iron ranges do you carry?

Metagenics Hemagenics, Orthoplex, BioCeuticals and Eagle all sit in our practitioner range, alongside everyday brands. Some are recommended by a practitioner, and some you can buy directly. Strengths and forms differ, so have the name of anything you have been recommended handy. We can check it against what we carry.

Iron Support

Iron support covers the supplements people take to keep their iron levels up. Women with heavy periods, pregnant women, vegetarians, endurance athletes and blood donors ask about it most. Tiredness is the usual reason people start looking. A blood test from your doctor is the only way to know where you sit.

Our iron shelf covers tablets, capsules and liquids across practitioner and everyday ranges, including Metagenics Hemagenics and Orthoplex. Many formulas pair iron with vitamin C or folic acid, which you will also find in vitamins A to Z. Women often choose an iron containing women's supplement or a multivitamin instead. Our pregnancy and breastfeeding range includes prenatal formulas with iron.

Iron is not something to take on guesswork, because too much causes problems of its own. Ask your doctor for a blood test before you start a high dose. Our pharmacists can suggest a form that is easier on the stomach. For a longer conversation about supplements, book our integrative pharmacy consult.