What is the best form of iron supplement to take?

As a health and nutrition expert with a focus on dietary supplements, I can provide you with some insights into the best form of iron supplement to take. When considering iron supplements, it's important to distinguish between two main types: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is the most efficiently absorbed form of iron, primarily found in animal sources like red meat and liver. The absorption rate for heme iron can be as high as 35%, which is significantly higher than that of non-heme iron. Non-heme iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, have a lower absorption rate. When taken on an empty stomach, the absorption rate is approximately 2.9%, but this drops to around 0.9% when taken with food. This is because the presence of food can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Given these differences, heme iron is generally considered to be the best form of iron to take if you require supplementation. However, it's also important to consider the individual's specific needs, such as dietary restrictions, health conditions, and the potential for interactions with other medications or supplements. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen to ensure that the chosen form of iron is appropriate for your health needs.

Heme iron is the most efficiently absorbed form of iron. The absorption rate of non-heme iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, is 2.9% on an empty stomach and 0.9% with food. This is much less than the absorption rate of heme iron, as found in liver, which is as high as 35%.