Liquid Iron Supplements: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to staying healthy and eating a balanced diet, getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals is vital. You may choose to take vitamin supplements, or perhaps, a multivitamin to maintain vitamin and mineral levels, and one of the supplements you may take is iron.

Iron supplements are commonly taken by those with an iron deficiency, a condition called anemia, but others take them too, to keep their iron levels up. Iron is essential to the body and helps to maintain the transportation of oxygen around the body.

Iron supplements come in many formats, including tablets, powders, and liquid sachets, and are easily incorporated into your diet. Liquid iron supplements are becoming increasingly popular, particularly by those who cannot tolerate other kinds of supplements.

If you're wondering whether you need to take an iron supplement, what a liquid iron supplement is, what the benefits of liquid iron supplements are, and which brands offer this form of iron, keep reading. We've done all the research for you to find out everything you need to know about liquid iron supplements.

Vitamin and mineral supplements: what is an iron supplement and do I need one?

Before we start looking at liquid iron supplements, let's find out what an iron supplement is and whether you need to add one to your daily mixture of vitamin and mineral supplements.

An iron supplement is taken to increase the levels of iron in your body. They're commonly taken by those with anemia (iron deficiency) and others who wish to increase their iron intake. Though you can get enough iron from your diet, mostly from red meat and liver, beans, nuts, dried fruits, fortified cereals, and soybean flour, some chose to add to this with a supplement.

Men need 8.7 mg of iron a day, as do women over 50. Women between the ages of 19 -50 years old need 14.8 mg a day. Though iron supplements are common, you must ensure you don't overdose on iron. Symptoms of too much iron include constipation, sickness, and stomach pain.

There are a few groups of people who it is more likely will need extra iron. These include women with heavy periods, those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, and those who have already been diagnosed with anemia.

To find out when you should speak with a healthcare professional about your iron levels, check out the next section.

When should I speak to a healthcare professional?

If you're concerned about your iron levels, there are a few symptoms that can be indicators of an iron deficiency. Be aware that many of the symptoms of anemia can be symptoms of other conditions too. Symptoms of an iron deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches

If you are in the group more likely to have an iron deficiency and are displaying a number of these symptoms, it may be time to speak with a health professional about the possibility of iron deficiency anemia.

What is a liquid iron supplement?

Liquid iron supplements are a type of oral iron therapy and were developed, initially, for those who are intolerant to other kinds of nutritional iron supplements. They generally come in pre-measured sachets which include your daily amount. Liquid iron supplements are thought to be more easily absorbed and can usually be taken on an empty stomach.

Remember to always read the label on any supplements you are taking to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.

If you have found that you feel ill, for example, if you suspect that your iron supplement is causing constipation, after taking regular iron supplements, such as those in tablet form, why not try out a liquid iron supplement? To find out more about brands that offer liquid iron supplements, take a look below.

What brands offer liquid iron supplements?

There are many brands that offer iron supplements in liquid form. These include:

Martin and Pleasance

Martin and Pleasance offer Spatone Liquid Iron Supplements which come in sachets, perfect for daily use. Spatone is a well-known iron supplement and is known to increase iron absorption by the body. With each sachet offering enough for your daily dietary intake, Spatone Liquid Iron Supplements are perfect to incorporate into your daily life.

Floradix

With their Floradix Liquid Iron Plus, this brand offers a great option for liquid iron intake. Containing ferrous gluconate which is considered the best-absorbed form of iron supplement, this supplement can be added to juice to make it more pleasant to take in!

Brauer

Brauer offers a Kids Liquid Iron with Vitamin B supplement. This is a good option for children with iron deficiencies, and unlike many iron supplements, is suitable for children. Many iron supplements can have negative effects on children and so this option is perfect if you're looking for liquid iron catered to kids!

There are many other liquid iron alternatives, we've just listed our favourites here! If you find that these options are not suitable for your needs, you will be able to find other alternatives in your local health food shop!

What are the benefits of liquid iron supplements?

Now we know what liquid iron is and where you can buy it, let's take a look at what the benefits of liquid iron supplements are.

The benefits of iron supplements include:

• It is more easily absorbed by the body. Iron is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb with plenty left to move through the digestive system, but liquid iron is perfect for being absorbed easily.
• It is more gentle on the digestive system. The leftover iron we discussed above can cause negative side effects in the body, including constipation and stomach irritation but because liquid iron is more easily absorbed, there is less leftover to upset the digestive system.
• Liquid iron is incredibly convenient. Mostly, it comes in sachets which are measured to your daily intake meaning you can take the perfect amount each day. As well as this, you can usually take liquid iron on an empty stomach, meaning you don't need to organise your meals around your iron supplement.

Conclusion

Liquid iron is a really great option for those who find taking regular iron supplements uncomfortable. it is incredibly convenient and can be taken throughout your day, it can even be mixed with juice to make it more pleasant!

Gentler on the digestive system and more easily absorbed by the body, choosing liquid iron may be better for you if you need to take an iron supplement but are sensitive to regular iron supplements.

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of iron deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat, make sure to speak to a health professional about your iron levels.

We offer a few different kinds of liquid iron, check them out on our site now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liquid iron better than iron tablets?

Liquid iron might be better for you if you are sensitive to iron tablets. Iron tablets are less easily absorbed by the body which means more iron is leftover in the body. This iron can wreak havoc on the digestive system, causing constipation and stomach irritation, making taking them uncomfortable for some. Liquid iron is more easily absorbed by the body, gentler on the digestive system and can be taken on an empty stomach so is much more convenient. Remember to check the label of any supplement you are taking to ensure you're taking it correctly.

What are the side effects of liquid iron?

Though liquid iron is gentler on the body it can still have some side effects, particularly if it is taken in too high a quantity. Liquid iron can cause an upset stomach and constipation if taken above the recommended amount. These symptoms are more general to too much iron intake, but liquid iron has one particular side effect that other kinds of iron do not which is the possibility of black stained teeth.

What is the best form of liquid iron?

Ferrous sulphate is generally thought to be the best absorbed liquid iron form, however, ferrous gluconate seems to have fewer negative side effects. These two are the two most common liquid iron forms and are the best to choose between. Always read the label on any liquid iron supplements you are planning on taking to ensure that they are suitable for you and your needs.

How can I boost my iron levels quickly?

There are a few ways you can boost your iron intake to support the transportation of oxygen around the body. Quick boosts of iron include:

• Taken an iron supplement, including tablets, powders, and liquid iron supplements
• Eating dark leafy greens, like kale and cavolo nero
• Eating red meat and liver, though liver should be avoided during pregnancy
• Eating nuts and beans that are high in iron
• Eating iron-fortified cereals