Read on to discover which iron supplements performed best, how to use them safely, and who might benefit from including an iron supplement in their daily routine.
For more on iron, read on for how to use iron supplements safely, who might benefit from an iron supplement and how to choose an iron supplement below…
Find out more about a high-iron diet.
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Why you can trust Good Food reviews
You can trust our reviews because every iron supplement featured here was tested by a qualified nutritionist with first-hand experience of assessing nutritional products. Each supplement was assessed for dosage, formulation, ease of taking, taste and value for money, alongside whether it met specific dietary needs such as vegan or being free from allergens.
Our nutritionist also considered how well each product supports iron intake in the context of a balanced diet, drawing on clinical knowledge to highlight safety and effectiveness. As with all Good Food reviews, we don’t share results with manufacturers or retailers before publication, and we never accept payment for positive coverage. That means the recommendations you see here are based purely on expert testing and independent judgment.
What we looked for in iron supplements
All iron supplements were tested against the same rigorous criteria to make results fair and comparable. Each product was tried and evaluated using our trusted matrix format, with detailed notes recorded during testing. We included a wide selection of formats – from tablets and capsules to gummies, liquids and sprays – and chose products at different price points to reflect a range of budgets.
Here’s what we looked at:
- Taste and flavour: For products with a flavour (such as liquids, sprays or gummies), we noted whether they were pleasant and easy to take day to day.
- Form of iron: We checked which form of iron was used – for example, ferrous bisglycinate or ferrous fumarate – and considered whether it was likely to be well absorbed and less prone to causing side effects like stomach upset. We also noted if the supplement included other nutrients, such as vitamin C, that can aid absorption.
- Nutrient profile: We assessed the amount of iron provided per daily dose and compared it with the nutrient reference value (NRV), noting where supplements offered significantly more or less than recommended.
- Additives: We examined the ingredient lists for extras such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colourings, highlighting products that kept things simple.
- Dietary requirements: Suitability for specific diets was factored in, including whether a supplement was vegan, vegetarian or free from common allergens.
- Value for money: Finally, we compared each supplement on a cost-per-day basis, weighing up price against dosage, formulation and overall quality.
Best iron supplements at a glance
Best iron tablets:
- Best iron supplement overall: Vitabright Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 28mg, £12.99
- Best iron supplement for vegans: JS Health Iron+, £16.99
Best iron capsules:
- Best value iron supplement: Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg, £8.99
- Best capsule iron supplement: Iron Zooki capsules, £20.49
Best iron liquid:
- Best liquid iron supplement: California Gold Liquid Iron, £7.74
- Best iron supplement for vegetarians: Floradix liquid iron & vitamin formula, £15.75
- Best iron supplement for convenience: Zooki Iron sachets, £29.99 – two week supply
- Best iron supplement for female health: Spatone Original, £14.99
Best iron sprays:
- Best iron supplement for digestive issues: BetterYou Iron 10mg Oral Spray, £14.95
Best iron gummies:
- Best chewable iron supplement: Novomins – Iron Gummies, £19.99
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Best iron supplements 2025
Best iron tablets
Vitabright Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 28mg
Available from Amazon (£8.99), Vitabright (£12.99)
Best iron supplement overall
Price per day: 14p
Star rating: 4.5/5
Providing 200% of your NRV from the suggested two tablets a day, this product offers the flexibility to reduce the dose as and when needed. Iron is provided in an easy to absorb form. Our testers found this product easy to take, gentle on the stomach and excellent value for money.
Available from:
JS Health Iron+
Available from JSHealth (£16.99)
Best iron supplement for vegans
Price per day: 57p
Star rating: 4/5
With iron levels exceeding the NRV (171%), B vitamins including folate, as well as vitamin C this is a good all-rounder. The easy-to-absorb form of iron is gentle on the digestive system and the additional nutrients help support energy levels and enhance iron absorption. However, testers reported the smell of the product ‘a little off-putting’.
Available from:
Best iron capsules
Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg
Available from Holland & Barrett (£8.99)
Best value iron supplement
Price per day: 10p
Star rating: 4.5/5
One of the most cost-effective of the products we sampled. This product provides iron at levels exceeding the NRV (143%) and in an easy to absorb form that is gentle on the stomach.
Available from:
Iron Zooki capsules
Available from Healf (£20.49), Bodykind (£24.99)
Best capsule iron supplement
Price per day: 83p
Star rating: 3.5/5
These easy-to-swallow capsules had no aftertaste, supplied iron in excess of the NRV (143%), delivered in a liposomal form that the manufacturers claim enhances absorption.
Available from:
Best iron liquid
California Gold Liquid Iron
Available from iHerb (£7.74)
Best liquid iron supplement
Price per day: 52p
Star rating: 4/5
Our testers liked the taste of this liquid iron and found the 1 teaspoon a day easy to fit into their day. Suitable for vegans, the product contains no additives or preservatives. It supplies an easy-to-absorb form of iron and was more palatable than some of the other liquid products we trialled.
Available from:
Floradix liquid iron & vitamin formula (250ml)
Available from Holland & Barrett (£11.61), Superdrug (£14.99), Boots (£15.75)
Best iron supplement for vegetarians
Price per day: £1.04
Star rating: 3.5/5
With herbal extracts, this liquid iron is combined with B vitamins and vitamin C to provide an all-round energy tonic. Being a natural product, without preservatives and additives, it must be refrigerated once opened and used within the specified time. Our testers liked the aromatic smell but were less keen on the taste and flavour.
Available from:
Zooki Iron sachets
Available from Boots (£29.99 – two week supply), Holland and Barrett (£29.99 – two week supply)
Best iron supplement for convenience
Price per day: 83p
Star rating: 3.5/5
Supplied in a portable sachet – the contents of which can be consumed in a multitude of ways – our testers found this a convenient alternative to tablets or capsules. With vitamin C included in the formulation, iron absorption may be enhanced. Our testers were divided on taste concluding that if intense fruity, sweet flavours are to your liking this innovative form of supplementation may be for you.
Available from:
Spatone Original
Available from Amazon (£14.99), Holland & Barrett (£15.50)
Best iron supplement for female health
Price per day: 55p
Star rating: 3.5/5
This iron-rich water offers a natural solution. Supplied in a convenient single-serve sachet, the product can be taken straight or mixed with juice or water. At 36% NRV, levels were the lowest of the products we trialled, making it most suited for maintaining iron levels.
Available from:
Best iron sprays
BetterYou Iron 10mg Oral Spray
Available from Amazon (£8.35), Boots (£10.80), BetterYou (£14.95), Victoria Health (£14.95)
Best iron supplement for digestive issues
Price per day: 47p
Star rating: 4/5
Designed to bypass the digestive system, just four sprays into the inner cheek delivers 10mg of iron (71% NRV) to the bloodstream. Our testers found the product convenient and portable but reported mixed views on the sweet taste and flavour.
Available from:
Best iron gummies
Novomins – Iron Gummies
Available from Amazon (£14.99), Novomins (£19.99)
Best chewable iron supplement
Price per day: 33p
Star rating: 4/5
‘Pleasant tasting, sweet flavour’ were comments made by our testers about this sugar-free product. Two gummies a day supply in excess of the NRV (143%) from a bio-available form of iron. While gummies are inevitably higher in additives, they are a useful alternative if you struggle to take tablets or capsules.
Available from:
Why do we need iron?
Iron is important for making red blood cells, these cells carry oxygen around the body and help keep us energised. Iron is also needed for growth and development and for making hormones. Low levels of iron may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, however, the majority of us should be able to get the iron we need from a varied, balanced diet.
How much iron do I need?
This depends on your age, gender, life stage, and any health or dietary issues you might have. The Nutrient Reference Value or NRV (average recommended daily amount) of iron is 14mg for women and girls of reproductive age, with lower levels (8.7mg) needed for men and post-menopausal women.
What should I look for on the label?
Make sure you’re checking the amount of ‘elemental iron’ on the product label – this figure represents the amount of iron on its own and not when it is combined with another ingredient.
If you’ve been advised to take an iron supplement check with your GP or a pharmacist about the daily dose you should be taking, although 17mg or less per day is unlikely to cause harm.
How to use iron supplements safely
Speak to your GP or a registered dietician to assess your need for an iron supplement. This is important because signs of iron overload are very similar to those of low levels.
Who might benefit from using an iron supplement?
Those most at risk of low iron levels include menstruating women, mums-to-be, those with a gastric disease or on a limited diet as well as children who are growing rapidly.
Who shouldn’t take iron supplements?
There are a number of reasons why an iron supplement may be inappropriate these include, but are not limited to:
- If you have another type of anaemia that is not affected by iron
- Have a condition called haemochromatosis
- Have a condition that affects red blood cells such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia
- Have a stomach ulcer or irritable bowel disease
- Are having repeated blood transfusions
Is it possible to take too much iron?
Yes – very high doses can be fatal, especially for children so always keep iron supplements out of their reach – this is especially relevant for products that taste nice, such as gummies.
How to choose an iron supplement
- Source wisely and buy from a reputable company.
- Choose a formulation suitable for your age and gender.
- Check the product delivers an effective dose – you can check recommended daily intake (NRV) together with the safe upper levels for most nutrients at hsis.org.
- Check the product carries a batch number and expiry date.
- Take only as directed on the label.
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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
Always keep supplements out of the reach of children.
Unless otherwise stated we tested products available in the UK market and suitable for adults.
Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Kerry Torrens
Registered Nutritionist
