Last update
3/21/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 21 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Iron (elemental) (from 180 mg Ferrous Bisglycinate)(Ferrochel™)
36 mg
200%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored how iron levels impact depression and hippocampal health. By studying mice under chronic mild stress and using an iron chelator, we observed that excessive iron leads to synaptic damage in the brain. This harmful effect was linked to the downregulation of crucial proteins involved in brain health.
Interestingly, when we activated a protein called Nrf2, we saw improvements in iron balance and a reduction in depression symptoms. Our findings suggest that focusing on Nrf2 and managing iron levels could be key in developing better treatments for depression.
Interestingly, when we activated a protein called Nrf2, we saw improvements in iron balance and a reduction in depression symptoms. Our findings suggest that focusing on Nrf2 and managing iron levels could be key in developing better treatments for depression.
Read More
8
Iron and vitamin D impact depression
We explored whether maternal iron and vitamin D levels during pregnancy could impact depression symptoms later on. By measuring various iron biomarkers and vitamin D metabolites, we assessed the mental health of nearly 2,000 pregnant participants in their third trimester. Our findings showed that higher levels of both iron and vitamin D were associated with significantly fewer depression symptoms. Interestingly, many women experienced lower vitamin D levels postpartum, suggesting the need for continued monitoring beyond pregnancy.
Read More
8
We investigated how dietary iron intake affects depressive symptoms among adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our analysis revealed that higher iron intake is linked to lower rates of depression.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Improved mood
90 people found this helpful
I've been using this vitamin for a few months and my overall well-being has noticeably improved. My mood has enhanced, making it an excellent supplement for those who struggle with depression, as it offers varied health benefits, providing good value for money.
Read More
7.5
Easier recovery
36 people found this helpful
After years of battling depression and other issues, I've taken this supplement for nearly three years with no iron overload. I feel my body is improving each year and I'm gradually feeling stronger.
Read More
9
Changed life
17 people found this helpful
Suffering from long-term anxiety and depression, I found that my condition stemmed from iron deficiency. Taking this supplement in capsule form over six months has made me feel like a different person, enjoying life again.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
9
We evaluated how brain iron levels affect depression and cognitive function in unmedicated individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) undergoing mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
Using advanced imaging techniques, we noticed participants with MDD had lower brain iron levels in specific regions compared to healthy controls.
Participants who started with lower iron levels experienced greater improvements in their depression after receiving MBCT. Our findings suggest that brain iron might play a role in MDD symptoms and treatment response.
Using advanced imaging techniques, we noticed participants with MDD had lower brain iron levels in specific regions compared to healthy controls.
Participants who started with lower iron levels experienced greater improvements in their depression after receiving MBCT. Our findings suggest that brain iron might play a role in MDD symptoms and treatment response.
Read More
8
We examined how Kaixinsan (KXS), a traditional Chinese medicine, affects depression-like behaviors in mice undergoing adriamycin treatment for breast cancer. By dividing forty mice into groups, we observed their responses through various tests.
The results showed that KXS significantly improved the depression-related behaviors linked to chemotherapy. It appeared to work by reducing ferroptosis—a type of cell death—in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting a protective role against these adverse effects.
The results showed that KXS significantly improved the depression-related behaviors linked to chemotherapy. It appeared to work by reducing ferroptosis—a type of cell death—in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting a protective role against these adverse effects.
Read More
8
Iron and vitamin D impact depression
We explored whether maternal iron and vitamin D levels during pregnancy could impact depression symptoms later on. By measuring various iron biomarkers and vitamin D metabolites, we assessed the mental health of nearly 2,000 pregnant participants in their third trimester. Our findings showed that higher levels of both iron and vitamin D were associated with significantly fewer depression symptoms. Interestingly, many women experienced lower vitamin D levels postpartum, suggesting the need for continued monitoring beyond pregnancy.
Read More
8
We explored how iron levels impact depression and hippocampal health. By studying mice under chronic mild stress and using an iron chelator, we observed that excessive iron leads to synaptic damage in the brain. This harmful effect was linked to the downregulation of crucial proteins involved in brain health.
Interestingly, when we activated a protein called Nrf2, we saw improvements in iron balance and a reduction in depression symptoms. Our findings suggest that focusing on Nrf2 and managing iron levels could be key in developing better treatments for depression.
Interestingly, when we activated a protein called Nrf2, we saw improvements in iron balance and a reduction in depression symptoms. Our findings suggest that focusing on Nrf2 and managing iron levels could be key in developing better treatments for depression.
Read More
8
We investigated how dietary iron intake affects depressive symptoms among adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our analysis revealed that higher iron intake is linked to lower rates of depression.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 21 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Improved mood
90 people found this helpful
I've been using this vitamin for a few months and my overall well-being has noticeably improved. My mood has enhanced, making it an excellent supplement for those who struggle with depression, as it offers varied health benefits, providing good value for money.
Read More
7.5
Easier recovery
36 people found this helpful
After years of battling depression and other issues, I've taken this supplement for nearly three years with no iron overload. I feel my body is improving each year and I'm gradually feeling stronger.
Read More
9
Changed life
17 people found this helpful
Suffering from long-term anxiety and depression, I found that my condition stemmed from iron deficiency. Taking this supplement in capsule form over six months has made me feel like a different person, enjoying life again.
Read More
7.5
Calmer mood
12 people found this helpful
After over a decade of depression and medication, I began taking this supplement on a friend's recommendation. It has helped calm my mood swings and boosted my energy, allowing me to live more positively.
Read More
9
Symptoms alleviated
1 people found this helpful
After taking this with vitamin C for two weeks, I've noticed I no longer feel lazy in the mornings and my pre-menstrual depression has lessened. Despite prior efforts with Chinese medicine, I’m truly grateful for this improvement.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Symptoms alleviated
1 people found this helpful
After taking this with vitamin C for two weeks, I've noticed I no longer feel lazy in the mornings and my pre-menstrual depression has lessened. Despite prior efforts with Chinese medicine, I’m truly grateful for this improvement.
9
Changed life
17 people found this helpful
Suffering from long-term anxiety and depression, I found that my condition stemmed from iron deficiency. Taking this supplement in capsule form over six months has made me feel like a different person, enjoying life again.
7.5
Improved mood
90 people found this helpful
I've been using this vitamin for a few months and my overall well-being has noticeably improved. My mood has enhanced, making it an excellent supplement for those who struggle with depression, as it offers varied health benefits, providing good value for money.
7
We undertook a detailed study to examine the effects of iron on major depressive disorder (MDD) and recurrent depression (rMDD) using a method called Mendelian randomisation. This approach allows us to look at how genetic data can help us understand the causal relationships between micronutrient levels and depression.
Our findings suggest that there’s some weak evidence indicating that higher levels of serum iron might actually protect against the risk of experiencing major depression. We observed that with each standard increase in serum iron, the odds of developing rMDD decreased slightly. This implies that maintaining good iron levels could potentially play a role in mood regulation.
However, it's important to note that while we found some positive associations related to iron, our results didn't show a strong or definitive effect of iron or other micronutrients on depression overall. In fact, the study also raised concerns about the possibility of adverse effects from excessive selenium and magnesium levels, which warrants further investigation.
Overall, while iron might have some beneficial associations regarding depression, the evidence isn’t robust enough to recommend supplementation without considering the potential risks involved. Future studies should focus on larger-scale trials to provide clearer insights into the efficacy and safety of micronutrient treatments for depression.
Our findings suggest that there’s some weak evidence indicating that higher levels of serum iron might actually protect against the risk of experiencing major depression. We observed that with each standard increase in serum iron, the odds of developing rMDD decreased slightly. This implies that maintaining good iron levels could potentially play a role in mood regulation.
However, it's important to note that while we found some positive associations related to iron, our results didn't show a strong or definitive effect of iron or other micronutrients on depression overall. In fact, the study also raised concerns about the possibility of adverse effects from excessive selenium and magnesium levels, which warrants further investigation.
Overall, while iron might have some beneficial associations regarding depression, the evidence isn’t robust enough to recommend supplementation without considering the potential risks involved. Future studies should focus on larger-scale trials to provide clearer insights into the efficacy and safety of micronutrient treatments for depression.
7
Iron deficiency linked to depression
We examined how iron status relates to depressive symptoms in nonpregnant women aged 20-44 using the NHANES data from 2005-2010. Our findings showed that women with iron deficiency experienced higher rates of depressive symptoms compared to those with sufficient iron, particularly among low-income individuals.
However, while initial analyses hinted at a link, adjustments for confounders lessened these connections. This suggests that while there’s some association between iron deficiency and depressive symptoms, it's not as strong as initially thought.
However, while initial analyses hinted at a link, adjustments for confounders lessened these connections. This suggests that while there’s some association between iron deficiency and depressive symptoms, it's not as strong as initially thought.
7
We set out to explore the connection between iron levels and mental health in pregnant women, focusing on how iron treatment may influence depressive symptoms. Our study recruited participants in their first trimester and followed them through their second and third trimesters, assessing their iron status and psychosocial wellbeing along the way.
Findings revealed that improvements in ferritin levels during the first and second trimesters were associated with fewer depressive symptoms and a better overall quality of life. This suggests that boosting iron levels in early pregnancy could potentially benefit mental health. Moreover, we discovered that increases in hemoglobin were linked to reduced anxiety, particularly feelings of fear, highlighting another positive aspect of improved iron status.
However, the results were more mixed in the later stages of pregnancy. While improvements in transferrin saturation from the second to the third trimester were connected to greater anxiety and a decline in quality of life, the initial positive effects underline the importance of monitoring and managing iron levels throughout pregnancy.
Overall, our findings hint at a beneficial relationship between iron status and psychosocial wellbeing, particularly in early pregnancy. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these promising results and better understand the nuances of this connection.
Findings revealed that improvements in ferritin levels during the first and second trimesters were associated with fewer depressive symptoms and a better overall quality of life. This suggests that boosting iron levels in early pregnancy could potentially benefit mental health. Moreover, we discovered that increases in hemoglobin were linked to reduced anxiety, particularly feelings of fear, highlighting another positive aspect of improved iron status.
However, the results were more mixed in the later stages of pregnancy. While improvements in transferrin saturation from the second to the third trimester were connected to greater anxiety and a decline in quality of life, the initial positive effects underline the importance of monitoring and managing iron levels throughout pregnancy.
Overall, our findings hint at a beneficial relationship between iron status and psychosocial wellbeing, particularly in early pregnancy. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these promising results and better understand the nuances of this connection.
8
We investigated how dietary iron intake affects depressive symptoms among adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our analysis revealed that higher iron intake is linked to lower rates of depression.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
Interestingly, we discovered that this relationship varies with body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 25, the connection was U-shaped, indicating that too little or too much iron can impact mood.
However, it’s important to note that the study was cross-sectional and relied on self-reported data, making firm conclusions challenging.
References
- Huang S, Guo J, Jiang R, Ma K, Lin F, et al. Four-way decomposition of the effects of nutrient supplement and physical exercise on depression among older Chinese: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis. BMC Public Health. 2024;24:3469. 10.1186/s12889-024-20995-8
- Pobee RA, Setorglo J, Klevor M, Murray-Kolb LE. Associations between iron status and psychosocial wellbeing among pregnant women in Cape Coast, Ghana: a longitudinal study. Public Health Nutr. 2024. 10.1017/S1368980024002088
- Carnegie RE, Zheng J, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Wade KH, et al. Micronutrients and Major Depression: A Mendelian Randomisation Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16213690
- Ouyang M, Cui J, Wang H, Liang Z, Pi D, et al. [ alleviates adriamycin-induced depression-like behaviors in mice by reducing ferroptosis in the prefrontal cortex]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2024;44:1441. 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2024.08.02
- Evanchuk JL, Kozyrskyj A, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Lamers Y, Giesbrecht GF, et al. Maternal Iron and Vitamin D Status during the Second Trimester Is Associated with Third Trimester Depression Symptoms among Pregnant Participants in the APrON Cohort. J Nutr. 2024;154:174. 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.029
- Ciulei MA, Ahluwalia N, McCormick BJJ, Teti DM, Murray-Kolb LE. Iron Deficiency is Related to Depressive Symptoms in United States Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES 2005-2010. J Nutr. 2023;153:3521. 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.09.023
- Zeng T, Li J, Xie L, Dong Z, Chen Q, et al. Nrf2 regulates iron-dependent hippocampal synapses and functional connectivity damage in depression. J Neuroinflammation. 2023;20:212. 10.1186/s12974-023-02875-x
- Tian S, Wu L, Zheng H, Zhong X, Yu X, et al. Body mass index modifies the relationship between dietary iron intake and depressive symptoms among adults: A national population-based cohort. J Affect Disord. 2023;340:907. 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.105
- Jakary A, Lupo JM, Mackin S, Yin A, Murray D, et al. Evaluation of major depressive disorder using 7 Tesla phase sensitive neuroimaging before and after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. J Affect Disord. 2023;335:383. 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.038
Data last updated:
