Iron is an essential mineral that our bodies need, but not all multivitamins contain iron. Men’s multivitamins and multivitamins for women over 50 typically don’t have iron. There are some populations that need more iron than others. Menstruating and pregnant people, children, endurance athletes and vegetarians all require more iron in their diets.
Because of all the nutrients they pack in, multivitamins containing iron can be quite large. If you have trouble swallowing pills, try a sublingual multivitamin like EZ Melts Multivitamin with Iron.
What to know before you buy a multivitamin with iron
General multivitamin
The most affordable multivitamins containing iron tend to be those formulated for the general adult population. They may not be labeled as a multivitamin with iron, so you may have to read the ingredient label to see whether they contain iron. Typically, these general multivitamins have 18 milligrams of iron.
Women’s multivitamin
Many women’s multivitamins contain iron, with the exception of those formulated for women over 50. Menstruating people between 19-50 require 18 milligrams of iron daily, though not all women’s multivitamins contain that much iron and may contain as little as 8 milligrams or none at all. Teen girls require 15 milligrams of iron a day.
Prenatal multivitamin
Pregnant people require 27 milligrams of iron daily. However, not all prenatal multivitamins contain iron. Iron is important for your baby’s development as well as to keep you from getting anemic during your pregnancy. You can always add an iron supplement to your regimen if your multivitamin isn’t providing enough. These vitamins also contain higher amounts of certain nutrients — such as folic acid — than regular multivitamins.
Infant and children’s multivitamin
Because of the fast growth of infants and children, this population requires iron. Babies between 7-12 months need 11 milligrams daily. Infants 1-3 years old require 7 milligrams daily. Ages 4-8 require 10 milligrams daily, and 9-13-year olds require 8 milligrams per day. There are multivitamins with iron specifically formulated for children.
Multivitamin with iron features
Form
Multivitamins containing iron come in capsule, tablet, liquid, sublingual and gummy form. Liquid, sublingual and gummy formulas are ideal if you have trouble swallowing pills. Pills, however, are the most widely available form of multivitamins with iron. Pick a form that best suits your needs.
Type of iron
The kind of iron contained in multivitamins varies. The main types found in supplements are ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferric sulfate and ferric citrate. Ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate are the most common. Ask your doctor which is the best type of iron for your specific health needs.
Synthetic multivitamin
When choosing a multivitamin with iron, you’ll have a choice between those made synthetically in a lab or those derived from whole food concentrates. Synthetic multivitamins are chemically identical to natural nutrients and cost a lot less than whole food vitamins.
Whole food multivitamin
Whole food multivitamins with iron are plant-based. Some believe that naturally sourced nutrients from whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, are absorbed by the body better. These multivitamins often have a lower potency for this reason — but a higher price tag.
Organic
When buying a whole food multivitamin with iron, you may notice many carry an organic label. This means that the plant sources weren’t treated with chemical pesticides, herbicides or fungicides that could adversely affect your body.
Vegan/vegetarian-friendly
Consumers on plant-based diets are at a higher risk for certain nutritional deficiencies, including anemia, as meat, especially red meat, is a great source of iron. If you don’t eat meat or eggs, look for a multivitamin containing iron that also doesn’t contain any animal products in its capsules or formula.
Multivitamin with iron cost
Multivitamins containing iron start at as little as $11 and can go up to $50 for a one-month supply.
Multivitamin with iron FAQ
Are there any nutrients that help with iron absorption?
A. Yes. Look for a multivitamin containing vitamin C to help your body absorb iron. Avoid taking calcium (including drinking milk), antacids or caffeine at the same time as your multivitamin with iron as they can block iron absorption.
Are there any side effects of taking a multivitamin with iron?
A. There are some common side effects like constipation and nausea. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber if you experience constipation as a result of taking iron. If you experience stomach upset, take your multivitamin with food.
Why do certain athletes require more iron?
A. You can lose iron through sweating, which is why endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, are at risk for iron deficiencies.
Which multivitamin with iron should I get?
Best of the best multivitamin with iron
EZ Melts Multivitamin with Iron: available at Amazon
Our take: A sublingual multivitamin featuring 18 milligrams of iron that melts in your mouth and tastes great.
What we like: For vegans and vegetarians who are lacking iron in their diet, these tasty tablets are vegan-friendly. The formula doesn’t contain sugar. The tablets dissolve under your tongue, which consumers with GI issues find absorb into their bodies better than pills.
What we dislike: The pills are pretty big and may take a little work to break down in your mouth.
Best bang for your buck multivitamin with iron
Nature Made Multivitamin Tablets with Vitamin D3 and Iron: available at Amazon
Our take: A low-cost, once-a-day multivitamin containing 18 milligrams of iron.
What we like: This formula contains 23 essential nutrients, including vitamin D3 and iron. Consumers notice an increase in energy when taking these regularly. From a trusted brand name, these multivitamins have garnered a loyal following.
What we dislike: The tablets are quite large and are best taken with food and not on an empty stomach.
Honorable mention multivitamin with iron
NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron for Infants and Toddlers: available at Amazon
Our take: A liquid multivitamin containing 10 milligrams of iron for little ones.
What we like: A tasty, sugar-free way for infants and toddlers to get in all their essential vitamins and iron. Young ones take to the raspberry-grape taste well, even picky eaters. The liquid can be added to food or drinks. It contains vitamin D as well as eight other key nutrients.
What we dislike: The liquid formula doesn’t contain vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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