Best iron supplements

Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed in 80% of cases of this pathology. Most of the patients are women and children. The main reasons for the development of the disease include insufficient intake of the element with food, heavy menstruation, and other types of bleeding. Iron, which enters the body with food, is poorly absorbed, therefore, hemoglobin in the blood is increased with special medications. Analysis of the characteristics of all drugs of similar action made it possible to identify the best iron preparations. The rating includes effective medicines for children, adults, pregnant women.

Iron preparation of which company is better to choose

In pharmacies, a wide variety of medicines are presented, in which the element is present. When choosing, the age of the patient, the reason for the decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and the various characteristics of the medication are taken into account. The quality of a product is often determined by the manufacturer. The following companies are recognized as the best companies in this area of ​​pharmaceuticals:

• Laboratoire Innotech International - French manufacturer of medical products and medicines. The company brought together healthcare professionals from different countries in one structure in order to improve the quality of treatment for common diseases. All products are manufactured in France; innovative technologies are used in the development of formulations. The advantages of buying goods include a quality guarantee.
• Lannacher Heilmittel GmbH Is an Austrian pharmaceutical company. The main direction of its activity is the production of vitamin and mineral complexes, medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies, epilepsy. Users highly rate the quality of the medicines.
• Italfarmaco - an Italian group of companies, the functions of medicines of which are aimed at solving the main problems of cardiology, gynecology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology. The Russian department of the firm is focused on promoting endocrinological and gynecological products for women's health.
• Pierre Fabre Is a French manufacturer of pharmaceutical products in the field of various fields of therapy. The company's success in the market is due to the inclusion in the policy of such principles as the desire to support public health, quality control of medicines, a responsible approach to the environment. The products are appreciated for innovative solutions in the field of beauty and health.
• Merkle-ratiopharm GmbH Is a group of German pharmaceutical companies. High-quality generics have brought fame to the company. This made it possible to produce drugs with an active ingredient that was identical to the ingredient in the original patented drugs, at a lower cost.
• Vifor Pharma - a Swiss pharmaceutical corporation that produces medicines for the treatment of iron deficiency, cardiorenal syndrome, infectious diseases, pathologies in the field of neurology.
• Lek Pharmaceuticals - a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical corporation Sandoz. It produces biosimilars, generics, which are used in the treatment of various pathologies. In 2024, the company's products won the People's Brand award.
• Egis Pharmaceuticals plc Is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Hungary, Central and Eastern Europe.Medicines under the Egis brand are used in cardiology, gynecology, dermatology and other fields of medicine. Most are included in the list of vital medicines, which is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation, which guarantees their quality.
• Vervag Pharma Is a German pharmaceutical company. The range includes over-the-counter and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements. The firm's work is based on a large number of studies aimed at studying the actions of various substances. This policy makes it possible to produce good medicines for patients.
• Runbaxi LaboratoriesLimited Is the largest drug manufacturer in India. All medicines meet quality standards. Products are appreciated for innovative design, high efficiency.

Iron supplements rating

Drugs are classified according to the route of administration into oral, parenteral. The first ones are presented in the form of capsules, tablets, drops. They take longer to be absorbed in the body, so the effect is not immediately noticeable. The latter are injected, which speeds up their action. Such medications are prescribed for severe forms of anemia, intolerance to oral medications. The dosage of the injections is determined by the doctor. The review of drugs for increasing iron in the blood was compiled taking into account the following parameters:

• Active component type;
• Release form;
• Volume, number of tablets, ampoules in a package;
• Minimum age of use;
• The kind of side effects;
• List of contraindications;
• Interaction with other drugs;
• Convenience of reception;
• Storage period;
• Influence on psychomotor reactions.

Comparison of prices, patient reviews made it possible to highlight the main pros and cons of drugs. The best iron supplements are broken down into 3 categories in the top according to the prescription rules.

Best multivitamins

Best iron supplements for adults

At this age, patients can be prescribed medications of any form of release. In this case, the doctor takes into account the composition. Bivalent iron has the property of irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa. If there is a history of pathologies in which such an effect is detrimental to the body, it is recommended to buy iron preparations in ampoules. Comparative tests of characteristics made it possible to single out the 5 best antianemic agents out of 10 nominees.

Totem

The active substance is iron gluconate. This form is considered highly absorbable and well tolerated. Totem is released in the form of a dark brown solution for oral administration. The presence of manganese and copper in the composition provides a rapid assimilation of the element in the body, antioxidant protection. With treatment, there is a gradual regression of the symptoms of anemia. The daily intake is 2-4 ampoules, so if the price is more than 500 rubles. the medication is considered expensive.

Advantages

• Allowed for children aged 3 months, pregnant women, nursing mothers;
• Improves immune mechanisms;
• Rapid absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract;
• Good composition;
• There is no effect on psychomotor reactions;
• High efficiency;
• Adverse reactions are possible only if the dosage is not followed.

disadvantages

• Darkening of tooth enamel;
• Bad taste.

Taking an iron-containing drug can completely cure anemia in 1-3 months. To reduce the risk of dark spots on the enamel helps the use of Totems through a tube, brushing teeth. The presence of sucrose in the composition limits the intake of medication by patients with diabetes mellitus.

Ferretab

Produced in the form of red gelatin capsules, each of which contains 3 minitablets with iron fumarate and 1 with folic acid. A complex medicine for the treatment of anemia quickly replenishes the deficiency of a trace element, which leads to a regression of the symptoms of pathology. Vitamin B9 is involved in hematopoiesis, provides the production of amino acids. The appointment of Ferretab is due to the development of anemia due to a deficiency of folic acid. The duration of treatment is 8-12 weeks.

Advantages

• Rare side effects;
• Safe composition;
• Convenient reception;
• Allowed for pregnant women;
• Fast results;
• Average price.

disadvantages

• Prohibition of admission to patients under the age of 12;
• The possibility of developing an allergic reaction.

Most of the respondents left positive feedback on the nominee. Quality, efficiency, availability were rated 4.5. At the same time, a number of patients claim that there is no effect, poor tolerance.

Ferlatum

The active substance of the drug is iron protein succinylate, the concentration of one dose of which corresponds to 40 mg of Fe3 +. In this form, the element is absorbed longer, but it does not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Absorption from the intestines into the blood eliminates the possibility of overdose, poisoning. The medicine is released in the form of a brown solution for oral administration.

Advantages

• Nice smell;
• Stimulates heme synthesis;
• Good portability;
• Ease of reception;
• Possibility of prescribing to children, pregnant women, during lactation;
• There were no cases of negative effects with other medicines.

disadvantages

• High price;
• A large list of contraindications.

Treatment with iron is not recommended for more than 6 months, except in cases of chronic blood loss. Trace element levels return to normal after 8-12 weeks.

Tardiferon

Iron preparation in prolonged-release tablets. The concentration of the active substance corresponds to 80 mg Fe2 +. Reception provides the synthesis of hemoglobin, quickly replenishes its deficiency in the body. The function of excipients is to improve the tolerance, increase the bioavailability of the drug. Vitamin C contributes to rapid absorption. The neutral membrane reduces the negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. The volume of the package is enough for a monthly course.

Advantages

• Long period of therapeutic exposure;
• Low price;
• Treatment of iron deficiency anemia of various etiologies;
• Allowed for children from 6 years old;
• Iron levels return to normal after 3-6 months;
• Rare adverse reactions;
• Shelf life is 3 years.

disadvantages

• Dark staining of the stool.

The presence of sucrose in the composition limits the admission of the nominee to patients with diabetes mellitus, fructose intolerance, glucose absorption disorder syndrome. At the same time, such a component gives a sweetish taste, which ensures the comfort of use. Some of the drugs reduce the effect of Tardiferon, therefore, the doctor must be informed about treatment with other drugs.

Aktiferrin

The active substance of the medication is identical to the previous nominee. It is released in the form of a greenish, yellow or orange-brown solution. The concentration of the active ingredient in 100 ml corresponds to 0.948 g of ferrous iron. Ascorbic acid also acts as an auxiliary substance, which improves the absorption of the trace element. The daily dose is set at the rate of 5 ml per 1 kg of patient weight.

Advantages

• Allowed from birth;
• Pleasant raspberry smell;
• Good portability;
• Average price;
• Side effects disappear quickly with dose reduction;
• Treatment of the causes of low hemoglobin of any etiology.

disadvantages

• Darkening of the tooth enamel;
• Stool staining black.

The therapy lasts at least 2 months. The course must be extended by 8-12 weeks to consolidate the effect. When taken together with antibiotics, drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice, the drops are drunk after 1-2 hours.

The best iron supplements for children

When choosing a medicine for a child, parents take into account which iron supplements are better absorbed for anemia. This characteristic affects the duration and comfort of the treatment. Most children do not like to take medicine, so a quick effect is often the main selection criterion. Preparations for babies under 3 years old are released in the form of drops, since they can choke on a pill. The presence of Fe2 + impairs taste, irritates the digestive tract. Children often vomit and refuse treatment.For this reason, the category includes nominees with good absorption parameters, which contain Fe3 +.

Maltofer drops

20 drops of a brown solution contain 50 mg of the trace element. Sucrose and creamy flavoring give the medicine a pleasant smell and taste. Studies have confirmed the high effectiveness of the drug for increasing the level of iron in the blood. The active substance synthesizes hemoglobin in the bone marrow, non-absorbed residues are excreted in the feces. For ease of use, Maltofer is mixed with fruit juices, baby porridge, milk formula.

Advantages

• Convenient dosage;
• Treatment of iron deficiency without anemia is possible;
• Average price;
• Allowed during pregnancy, children from infancy;
• High degree of security;
• Low probability of intoxication in case of overdose.

disadvantages

• Not found.

The drug contains sugar, but its concentration does not affect the daily insulin requirement in diabetics. The popularity of use is due to the comfort of use, the minimum treatment period, which is 1-5 months.

The best vitamins for the heart and blood vessels

Ferrum Lek

The medication is available in the form of a syrup or chewable tablets. In the first case, the concentration of the active substance in 1 scoop corresponds to 200 mg of Fe3 +, in the second - 100 mg. Creamy and chocolate flavors provide a pleasant taste to the preparation. The amount of sugar in the composition is higher than that of the previous nominee, so diabetics are treated with the permission of an endocrinologist.

Advantages

• The choice of a convenient form of admission, taking into account the age of the child;
• Does not stain tooth enamel;
• Rare side effects from the gastrointestinal tract;
• Does not distort the results of fecal occult blood tests;
• Does not affect concentration of attention;
• Cases of intoxication in case of overdose have not been recorded.

disadvantages

• High concentration of sugar in the composition.

An inexpensive iron supplement is appreciated for its quick effect and pleasant taste. Taking medicine with low hemoglobin is recommended by 82% of respondents. The main side effect is constipation in babies.

Best iron supplements for pregnant women

For the prevention of anemia during this period, it is not always enough to take vitamin and mineral complexes. Women are recommended to take medications that contain Fe2 +. In this form, the trace element is absorbed faster, the risk of developing unpleasant consequences is reduced. In severe conditions, intravenous drugs are used in the hospital, and for lungs, oral agents are taken. The data of comparative tests made it possible to choose from 5 nominees 3 good iron preparations with low hemoglobin in pregnant women.

Sorbifer Durules

Produced in the form of tablets, the concentration of the active substance in each of which is equivalent to 100 mg Fe2 +. The presence of vitamin C ensures the rapid absorption of the trace element. The action of the drug is based on the gradual release and uniform flow of iron ions into the blood. The shell of the tablets is completely inert in the digestive juice, disintegrates under the action of intestinal peristalsis.

Advantages

• High absorption rate;
• Bioavailability;
• Possibility of prophylactic use during pregnancy, lactation;
• Convenient reception;
• Average price;
• Fast Effect;
• Small tablet size.

disadvantages

• Number of side effects;
• A large list of contraindications.

User reviews of the iron preparation are mixed. Most of them confirm a good result in treatment, others complain about a weak effect in combination with a bright manifestation of side reactions. 68% of patients recommend buying the medicine, so the quality of the product can only be determined by their own experience.

Ferro-foil

The nominee includes vitamins B9, B12, which are involved in the formation of erythrocytes and the production of amino acids. The concentration of the active substance in 1 capsule corresponds to 37 mg Fe2 +. Take the drug 1-2 tablets per day.Most doctors confirm the quick effect of the treatment, the hemoglobin level increases by an average of 2.5 mg per day. To avoid relapse, the therapeutic course is continued up to 4-16 weeks, taking into account the severity of the anemia.

Advantages

• The presence of B vitamins in the composition;
• Small capsule size;
• Good efficiency;
• Pleasant taste;
• Easily absorbed;
• Rapid restoration of the normal level of iron in the blood.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Adverse reactions.

Users rate the characteristics of the drug highly. Only 10% of respondents note the appearance of side effects during treatment. In most patients, the hemoglobin norm is recorded after 10-14 days of admission.

Fenuls

The medicine belongs to the category of multivitamin complexes with iron. The composition contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, ascorbic acid. The components normalize metabolism, the violation of which is often the cause of anemia. The capsule contains 45 mg Fe2 +. The gradual release of elements reduces the risk of developing adverse reactions, which the drug has the most in comparison with other nominees in the rating.

Advantages

• Low price;
• The daily dose includes 1 tablet;
• Complex effect on the body;
• Normalizes the level of vitamin B;
• Prevention of latent iron deficiency;
• Does not affect psychomotor reactions.

disadvantages

• Number of contraindications;
• Not approved for the treatment of anemias of other etiologies.

The popularity of the nominee is due to the high dosage of the active substance against the background of the low price. Convenient reception provides the ability to open the capsule, use the contents with jam, jam.

Which iron supplement is better to buy

When choosing a medication, the severity of the pathology is taken into account, which determines the required speed of exposure. Iron is absorbed faster when administered intramuscularly or intravenously, but a vivid manifestation of adverse reactions is noted. The therapeutic effect provides 80-160 mg of pure iron, exceeding the concentration will lead to a deterioration in well-being. The presence of a protective shell on the capsules reduces the risk of an irritant effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Taking into account a number of features, the best drugs in this group were identified:

• The safest composition is Maltofer;
• An inexpensive treatment option for anemia - Fenuls;
• For a quick effect, it is recommended to buy Ferro-foil;
• If the cause of low hemoglobin is vitamin B9 deficiency - Ferretab;
• If necessary, prolonged action - Tardiferon.

When treating anemia, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations in terms of diet, dosage of the prescribed medication. Wrong intake of the drug provokes the development of adverse reactions, deterioration of health. The choice of medication should be made by the doctor, the rating will help clarify the pros and cons of each of them.