Iron deficiency can be a serious problem for women of childbearing age. Menstruating women need about 18 mg of iron a day, more than twice the RDA of 8 mg a day for men. Pregnant women need 27 mg a day. Without it, you may experience fatigue and be more susceptible to infection. Thus, for many women, an iron supplement is a good idea. Be careful, however, as too much iron can have toxic effects. It's a good idea to discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor before starting to take an iron supplement. Look for pills that contain ferrous iron, the most easily absorbed form of this mineral, and be sure to note the amount of elemental iron supplied by each tablet--that's the amount your body will absorb.
Floradix
Floradix offers a mix of iron plus herbal extracts in both liquid and tablet form. Their supplements are vegetarian and preservative- and alcohol-free. Floradix claims their formula is easier to absorb and avoids the constipating effect other supplements sometimes have. One dose provides 10 mg of elemental iron, which is low compared to other products but just right for many people whose iron intake is just a little low. Their supplements are also high in B and C vitamins.
Nature Made
Nature Made is a widely available and inexpensive line of dietary supplements. Their iron tablet provides 65 mg of elemental iron, which may be too much for anyone except those officially diagnosed with anemia. Nature Made supplements are free of artificial colors and flavors as well as wheat, gluten and starch.
Feosol
Feosol offers several products with doses of elemental iron ranging from 45 to 65 mg; both are dosages best suited for people with diagnosed anemia. The 45-mg pills are made with carbonyl iron, a safer form in cases of overdose. Feosol claims to be the brand most recommended by doctors.
Fergon
Fergon provides 27 mg of elemental iron per tablet--a little more than the average menstruating woman needs, and exactly the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance for pregnant women.
Femiron
Femiron is a widely available supplement manufactured by Lee Pharmaceuticals. It provides 20 mg of elemental iron per tablet, just a little over the daily recommended amount for menstruating women. One form of Femiron also provides a daily dose of folic acid, an important nutrient for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
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