The gentle one
Iron bisglycinate (chelated)
Your body absorbs it well, with less constipation and nausea.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
What variations of iron exist?
Carries oxygen in the blood. Deficiency is common with heavy periods, pregnancy, plant-based diets, celiac disease, and endurance training. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Budget-friendly: the classic one (Ferrous sulfate / fumarate)
Every form, in plain words
The gentle one
Iron bisglycinate (chelated)
Your body absorbs it well, with less constipation and nausea.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
The gentle alternative
Heme iron polypeptide
Absorbed a different way and gentle on digestion.
Good for: Easy on the stomach
The classic one
Ferrous sulfate / fumarate
Inexpensive and it works, but more likely to upset your stomach.
Good for: Budget-friendly
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Iron bisglycinate' on the label (the gentle one)
Watch out for
- Iron in a product you take 'just in case' without lab work
- The label gives the weight of the whole compound instead of how much iron you actually get
Check with your provider first if…
- Only take it if blood tests (ferritin, a blood count, an iron panel) show you need it. Too much iron is harmful.
- You have hemochromatosis or a family history of iron overload
- You take thyroid medicine (levothyroxine), certain antibiotics, or antacids. Take them at different times.
- Keep it away from children. An iron overdose is dangerous.
In Dr. Lesher's store
4 products in Dr. Lesher's store have iron. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Has bisglycinate (the gentle one)
36 mg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™
Has bisglycinate (the gentle one)
9 mg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multi
Has bisglycinate (the gentle one)
4.5 mg per serving
NovaFerrum
Wow Liquid Iron
125 mg per serving
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Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.