Integrative Therapeutics Iron Complex Softgels

Iron with B vitamins, and why they're together

People search for iron and B vitamins in one product, which is exactly what this is. The pairing isn't arbitrary: B12 and folate work alongside iron in building red blood cells, and taking iron alone when you're short on the others only gets you part of the way.

Ninety softgels. There's vitamin C in here too, which improves how much of the iron you actually absorb.

Taking it without the stomach upset

Iron is notorious for being hard on the stomach. A few things help. Take it with food if it bothers you, even though absorption is somewhat better on an empty stomach. Keep it away from coffee, tea and dairy, all of which cut iron absorption considerably. If one softgel is rough, try taking it in the evening instead of the morning.

Iron also tends to slow things down digestively. More water and more fiber usually sort that out.

Before you start

Get your levels checked before supplementing iron rather than after. Too much iron is a genuine problem, not just a wasted purchase, and it accumulates. This is one where testing first is worth the trouble.

Keep it well out of reach of children, since iron overdose is one of the more serious accidental poisonings in young kids. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing or taking medication.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.