Best Supplements for Improved Iron Levels
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 13 supplements across 21 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- 1IronModerate evidence5 studies
Across 5 studies, 4 reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of iron supplementation on iron levels, while 1 reported a harmful moderate-sized effect in vitiligo patients. The most-studied dose range was 7-105 mg/day elemental iron (from one meta-analysis). Populations varied, including healthy blood donors, pregnant women, and clinical populations (celiac disease, pulmonary hypertension).
- Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies (3 statistically significant), all reported beneficial effects of L. plantarum 299v on iron status. The predominant effect size was mixed (small to large across studies), and the most frequently studied population was pregnant women. Dosing was only specified in one trial (10^10 CFU/day).
- ModerateIronAcross 5 studies, 4 reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of iron supplementation on iron levels, while 1 reported a harmful moderate-sized effect in vitiligo patients. The most-studied dose range was 7-105 mg/day elemental iron (from one meta-analysis). Populations varied, including healthy blood donors, pregnant women, and clinical populations (celiac disease, pulmonary hypertension).4 beneficial1 harmful5 studies
- ModerateLactobacillus plantarum 299vAcross 4 studies (3 statistically significant), all reported beneficial effects of L. plantarum 299v on iron status. The predominant effect size was mixed (small to large across studies), and the most frequently studied population was pregnant women. Dosing was only specified in one trial (10^10 CFU/day).4 beneficial4 studies