Editors Choice

Best Iron Supplement for Anaemia – No Constipation

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If you suffer from anaemia, you may get a lot of benefit from an iron supplement. They used to be notorious for causing constipation. These days, however, if you take the right iron supplement in the right way, you’ll be able to digest it comfortably.

Best Iron Supplement for Anaemia - No Constipation

Best iron supplement for anaemia - no constipation

Here’s our round-up of the best iron supplements for anaemia on the UK market. We think there’s something for everyone.

Innopure Iron Supplement

Iron Supplement for Energy and Immunity

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Tablets
  • 14mg
  • Ferrous Fumarate
  • Vegan-Friendly

Iron supplement tablets used to have a bit of a reputation for being hard to swallow (physically) and hard to digest. Thankfully, time has moved on. These tablets are about 5mm in diameter and quite thin. They slip down easily and are gentle on the stomach. 

If you do have any issues swallowing them, try popping them under the tongue. The body will reflexively want to dislodge the tablet and it will go down with the liquid.

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Iron Supplement for Energy and Immunity - 3 Months Supply, 90 Tablets...

& Free shipping
Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm

Solgar Gentle Iron

Solgar Gentle Iron 20 mg Vegetable

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Capsules
  • 20 mg
  • Ferrous bis-glycinate
  • Vegan-Friendly

The “Gentle Iron” label is a reference to the fact that the capsules use Ferrous Bis-Glycinate. This form of iron is considered to be particularly easy to digest, as it passes through the stomach and small intestine without breaking apart. Although the capsules are branded as “Vegetable”, they are actually vegan-friendly. This is still quite unusual for capsules.

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Solgar Gentle Iron 20 mg Vegetable Capsules - Pack of 90

Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm

Vitabiotics Feroglobin Liquid

 Vitabiotics Feroglobin Liquid - 200 ml

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Liquid
  • 14mg
  • Ferric Ammonium Citrate
  • Contains honey

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Vitabiotics Feroglobin Liquid - 200 ml

& Free shipping
Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm

We have absolutely no idea what makes Swiss malt any different from any other sort of malt, but not only does this liquid iron supplement perform well, it tastes really good too. 

We have to say that we’re not entirely clear on whether or not this liquid iron supplement is suitable for very young children. According to the product description, it’s suitable for children aged one and older but according to the label on the back of the bottle, it’s suitable for children aged three and older.

Vitabiotics Feroglobin Fizz Tablets

 Vitabiotics Feroglobin Fizz Tablets, 20 pack

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Soluble tablets
  • 17mg
  • Ferrous Sulphate
  • Vegan-Friendly

We absolutely love this product. Tablets are convenient to store and dose, but liquids slide down more easily. Now you can have the best of both worlds with these soluble “fizz tablets”. The taste is a bit metallic but mostly it’s like drinking a fairly sweet orange squash.

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Vitabiotics Feroglobin Fizz Tablets, 20 pack

& Free shipping
Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm
£5.45 £6.15

PatchMD Iron PlusTM

PatchMD Iron

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Patches
  • 45mg
  • Ferrous bis-glycinate
  • Vegan-Friendly

Patches are a new one on us but we like them a lot. According to the packet, the patches are free from fillers, latex, lactose, gluten and sugar. They are also 100% cruelty-free/not tested on animals. 

The patches are not waterproof, but the adhesive is good without being so strong it hurts when you remove them. If you did have any issues, you could use medical tape as a backup.

Transdermal delivery releases iron slowly, making it easier for the body to process it (basically the body can take its time) plus the iron completely bypasses the stomach and liver, thus avoiding gut irritation and increasing bioavailability/efficacy.

This product takes about 8 hours to work. It’s safe to leave the patches on longer (for example if you need extra sleep) but there’s no benefit to doing so. We think they’d be great to use overnight so you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

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Senna Tea Fruit & Leaves 30g Natural Laxative | BteaCo for Kuker...

& Free shipping
Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm

Honourable mention to Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement Apple Flavour with Vitamin C

Quite bluntly, this product is probably only worth a look if you have very mild anaemia. That’s why it’s an honourable mention rather than a full recommendation. That said, if you do have mild anaemia, it’s definitely well worth a look.

Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement Apple Flavour, 28x25ml (Packaging May Vary)

PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Liquid
  • 5mg
  • Ferrous Sulphate
  • Vegan-Friendly

Spatone is made from the iron-rich water found in the area of the Trefriw Wells Spa in Snowdonia.  It’s sold in single-use sachets making it convenient for use on the go.  The apple flavour is pretty decent and makes a nice change from the usual orange-flavour-based offerings.

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Senokot Max Strength Natural Senna Tablets for Constipation Relief, Pack of 48

Last update was on: March 22, 2024 4:10 pm

Taking your iron supplement the right way

So now that you’ve found the best iron supplement, you need to take it in the right way for it to have the best effect.

supplements

Take your iron supplement as directed

This may seem like stating the obvious, but read the instructions and follow them. Most iron supplements will tell you to take them with a meal. Make sure that you do so. When you eat a full meal your stomach is active and primed with digestive juices. This helps it to tackle the iron. If you take an iron supplement on an empty stomach you may wind up making yourself feel sick.

A lot of iron supplements will suggest that you take them with some form of Vitamin C as this helps with iron absorption. Many will suggest orange juice. This is probably the obvious choice, but it isn’t the only one. 

In addition to oranges and other citrus fruits, you can get a lot of Vitamin C from potatoes (especially with their skins on) brussels sprouts, broccoli, green and red peppers, strawberries and blackcurrants.

It’s advisable to avoid eating calcium-rich foods when you take your iron supplement as there is some evidence that calcium hinders iron absorption.

BALANCE DIET

Pay attention to your overall diet

Taking an iron supplement (or any supplement) should never be seen as an excuse to eat an unhealthy diet. You should still be doing your best to eat an appropriate combination of fibre, protein and carbohydrate as well as doing your best to get plenty of vitamins and minerals.

If you are using an iron supplement, then it’s particularly important to make sure that you get plenty of fibre. If, however, you’re not in the habit of eating a lot of fibre, then making a sudden change could upset your stomach. Increase your fibre intake gradually but try to consume as much fibre as you can when you take your iron supplement.

You may also want to try drinking kefir, although not when you’re taking your iron supplement as it’s full of calcium. This is a fermented milk drink, which is full of yeast and beneficial probiotic bacteria. If you don’t like the taste, you can easily disguise it. For example, you can add fruits to make a smoothie or mix it with regular milk to have with cereal.

Drink more

Drink plenty of liquid (preferably water)

Water cleanses the body and helps digestion. If you can’t face water on its own, then stick to liquids which are mostly water such as caffeine-free beverages, fruit juices and milk. You will, however, have to be careful with milk because of the calcium content.

Remember that if you eat plenty of fibre, you will need plenty of water (or similar liquid) to help it pass through your digestive system. If you’re increasing your intake of fibre, then you also need to increase your intake of water.

Fizzy drinks (at least the sugar-free ones), caffeinated beverages and alcohol can all be enjoyed in moderation, but be careful to avoid overdoing it.

BE FIT

Get active

Iron is often used as a symbol of strength and there’s a good reason for this. If taking an iron supplement helps your anaemia, you’re likely to find that your energy levels improve. If you can put this to good use by increasing the amount of exercise you take, you’ll reap all kinds of benefits.

On a practical level, exercise stimulates the body’s systems and that includes the digestive system. It also boosts your physical energy and encourages mental positivity, thus continuing the good work of the iron supplement.

Go as soon as you’re ready

Putting off going to the toilet irritates your digestive system and can actually lead to issues with constipation. If you’re already feeling constipated, it can make things worse. Basically, listen to your body and do what it tells you rather than what you think you ought to do.

Have a constipation remedy handy

There are three main ways you can tackle constipation.

  1. Rub around your stomach in a clockwise direction. This can help to stimulate the natural digestive path. Never rub your stomach in an anti-clockwise direction as this can make the problem worse!
  1. Eat something rich in fibre. If you’re at home and you’re feeling hungry then anything involving beans, peas or lentils is a good choice as is anything with potato or sweet potato (especially if you leave the skin on). If you’re not at home, but you are quite hungry, try an apple or a pear. If you’re not really that hungry, try prunes, kiwi fruit or figs.
  1. Use a laxative. If you’re picking up an iron supplement, you might want to add a packet or two of senna tea. This is a natural laxative and is vegan-friendly. If you need something stronger, then Senokot has been providing effective relief for years. It does, however, contain lactose so it’s not suitable for vegans.

In short

Anaemia can be temporary (for example caused by pregnancy) or long-term, but either way it doesn’t have to get you down. A combination of a high-quality iron supplement and a healthy lifestyle can have you feeling strong, energetic and generally ready for anything.

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