'
NOW Supplements Iron
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 11 Researches
6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 90 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Iron (elemental) (from 90 mg Ferrous Bisglycinate)(Ferrochel™)
18 mg
100%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Iron supplements reduce donor deferral
Oral or parenteral iron supplementation to reduce deferral, iron deficiency and/or anaemia in blood donors.
Moderate quality evidence found
We assessed how iron supplementation impacts blood donors who may suffer from low iron levels. Our analysis included thirty studies with nearly 4,700 participants, focusing on the differences between those receiving iron and those who didn’t.

We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.

These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
Read More
8
Infant formula impacts stool consistency
Formula tolerance in postbreastfed and exclusively formula-fed infants.
Moderate relevance in formula guidelines
We evaluated how different infant formulas affect the stool characteristics of infants. Two clinical studies focused on infants transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to formula feeding and those already on formula.

Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.

Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Read More
5
Constipation prevalence linked to iron
Constipation in pregnancy: prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors.
Moderate relevance to pregnancy health
We investigated the prevalence and contributing factors of constipation among healthy pregnant women over the course of their pregnancy. Our longitudinal study showed that constipation affects about 24% of women during various stages of pregnancy and even postpartum.

Notably, we found that iron supplementation was linked to a higher risk of constipation. This means that while iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, it may also contribute to discomfort for some women.

These findings highlight the importance of monitoring bowel health as part of prenatal care.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9.5
No constipation noted
Iron is an essential mineral impacting energy production, as well as the immune and nervous systems. It is a key component of haemoglobin, the molecule that transports oxygen to body cells. NOW utilises Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate as clinical studies indicate it is well absorbed and gentle on the body, not causing constipation.
Read More
9.5
Gentle on stomach
Iron is a crucial mineral involved in energy production and the immune and nervous systems. It's an essential part of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s cells, and also supports myoglobin in muscle tissue. I recommend NOW’s Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, as clinical studies suggest it is effectively absorbed and gentle on the body, hence it does not cause constipation.
Read More
8.8
Supports health effectively
The low dosage of iron supports health and prevention without causing constipation.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 11 Researches
6
  • All Researches
9
Iron supplements reduce donor deferral
Oral or parenteral iron supplementation to reduce deferral, iron deficiency and/or anaemia in blood donors.
Moderate quality evidence found
We assessed how iron supplementation impacts blood donors who may suffer from low iron levels. Our analysis included thirty studies with nearly 4,700 participants, focusing on the differences between those receiving iron and those who didn’t.

We found that iron supplements reduced the chances of donors being deferred due to low hemoglobin levels and helped elevate their hemoglobin and iron stores. However, we also noted more side effects, like constipation and nausea, among those taking iron.

These side effects hinder its widespread use, suggesting iron supplements should be targeted to at-risk individuals only.
Read More
8
Iron deficiency linked to constipation
Gastrointestinal symptoms are closely associated with depression in iron deficiency anemia: a comparative study.
High relevance for patient care
This study examined the connection between gastrointestinal issues, particularly constipation, and depression in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Conducted at Trakya University, the case-control study involved 125 IDA patients and 57 healthy individuals.

We found that IDA patients reported constipation significantly more often than the control group, with 56% experiencing this symptom. Additionally, their self-reported intensity of bloating and dyspepsia was notably higher, indicating a clear link between IDA, gastrointestinal discomfort, and potential mental health challenges.
Read More
8
Infant formula impacts stool consistency
Formula tolerance in postbreastfed and exclusively formula-fed infants.
Moderate relevance in formula guidelines
We evaluated how different infant formulas affect the stool characteristics of infants. Two clinical studies focused on infants transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to formula feeding and those already on formula.

Parents recorded each infant's feeding tolerance, spit-up occurrences, and stool characteristics during the trials. Our findings revealed that the composition of the formula impacts stool consistency.

Specifically, infants consuming formula A exhibited softer stools and more frequent bowel movements compared to those on formula B, which may help lessen concerns about constipation associated with iron-fortified options.
Read More
7
Iron's minimal effect on constipation
Low-Dose Prophylactic Oral Iron Supplementation (Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Bisglycinate, and Ferrous Sulphate) in Pregnancy Is Not Associated With Clinically Significant Gastrointestinal Complaints: Results From Two Randomized Studies.
Study explores iron and constipation
We explored the effects of low-dose iron supplementation on gastrointestinal complaints, particularly constipation, in pregnant women. Conducting two randomized studies, we aimed to determine how different forms of iron—ferrous fumarate, ferrous bisglycinate, and ferrous sulphate—would affect the frequency of GI issues among healthy women throughout their pregnancy.

Through our investigations, we found that constipation was only significantly associated with higher doses of ferrous fumarate (80 mg/day). Interestingly, women taking lower doses of ferrous fumarate (20-60 mg/day) did not report more GI side effects, indicating that manageable doses of iron may be tolerated without significant worry about constipation.

Among the iron formulas tested, ferrous bisglycinate at 25 mg showed the best profile, resulting in fewer GI complaints overall compared to the others. In fact, it was linked to a lower incidence of black stools, which can often be associated with iron intake. Ultimately, we observed that while low-dose iron supplementation might incur some side effects, they are generally not severe enough to warrant a change in dosage or interruption of treatment.
Read More
7
Lactoferrin aids iron-deficiency anemia
Lactoferrin as treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in children: a systematic review.
Study supports lactoferrin benefits
We carefully looked at the impact of lactoferrin (Lf) on treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children, especially focusing on its connection to constipation. In an extensive review of 11 studies, including 10 randomized controlled trials, we saw promising results where children receiving Lf showed notable improvements in their hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels compared to those who only received iron or a placebo.

Interestingly, we found that while some adverse effects like constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain were reported, those treated with Lf experienced a significant decrease in constipation. This suggests that Lf not only helps in boosting iron levels but may also be easier on the digestive system than traditional iron supplements.

Overall, our exploration indicates that incorporating lactoferrin in the treatment of IDA in children not only helps address anemia effectively but also might provide a gentler alternative for the gut. Users considering iron supplements for their children might find lactoferrin to be a beneficial option.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 90 Reviews
8.7
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9.5
No constipation noted
Iron is an essential mineral impacting energy production, as well as the immune and nervous systems. It is a key component of haemoglobin, the molecule that transports oxygen to body cells. NOW utilises Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate as clinical studies indicate it is well absorbed and gentle on the body, not causing constipation.
Read More
9.5
Gentle on stomach
Iron is a crucial mineral involved in energy production and the immune and nervous systems. It's an essential part of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s cells, and also supports myoglobin in muscle tissue. I recommend NOW’s Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, as clinical studies suggest it is effectively absorbed and gentle on the body, hence it does not cause constipation.
Read More
8.8
Supports health effectively
The low dosage of iron supports health and prevention without causing constipation.
9.5
No constipation noted
This iron pill does not cause constipation or nausea. It works like a charm after just one pill! It is brilliant in every way.
8.8
No constipation
Great Vegan Product for Anemics! As someone with anaemia, I always seek quality iron pills! What I loved most about these is that they did not cause constipation, which is common with other iron pills. Additionally, they are vegan-friendly, which is a relief for those concerned about animal byproducts!
Read More
image