Iron is a necessary nutrient needed for physical growth and advancement. It is crucial in forming hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. An insufficient iron level in one’s body can lead to reduced production of red blood cells, resulting in health issues such as anemia, exhaustion, and other diseases.
Teenagers, in particular, require more iron than adults due to their rapid growth and development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenage girls need 15 milligrams of iron per day, while teenage boys need 11 milligrams. However, many teenagers do not consume enough iron-rich foods, making iron supplements a popular option.
When it comes to choosing the best iron supplement for teens, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the type of iron supplement matters. There are two main types of iron supplements: ferrous and ferric. Ferrous iron supplements are better absorbed by the body, making them a more effective option. Ferric iron supplements, on the other hand, are less well-absorbed and may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and stomach upset.
Another important factor to consider is the dosage. Iron supplements come in different dosages, and it’s crucial to choose one that meets the teenager’s daily iron needs without exceeding the recommended daily allowance, which is 45 milligrams per day for both teenage boys and girls.
With these factors in mind, we spent hours researching and testing various iron supplements to identify the best options for teenagers. In the following sections, we’ll discuss the top iron supplements for teens, taking into account the type of iron, dosage, and overall effectiveness.
Best Iron Supplements for Teens
As parents, we all want our teens to have optimal health and nutrition. Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the body, including helping to transport oxygen throughout the body and supporting the immune system. However, many teens do not get enough iron in their diets, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health issues. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best iron supplements for teens, so you can ensure your child is getting the iron they need to thrive.
1. Maxi Health Teen Supreme Hers Vitamins for Teen Girls
If you’re looking for a multivitamin that caters to the unique nutritional needs of teenage girls, then Maxi Health Teen Supreme Hers Vitamins for Teen Girls is a great option to consider.
Pros
- This multivitamin contains 32 essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are specifically designed to support the rapid body and brain growth that occurs during adolescence.
- It contains powerful antioxidants such as Copper, Zinc, and Selenium that help protect your teen girl’s immune system and promote healthy active energy and mood for academics, sports, and healing.
- The combination of key B vitamins, Vitamin C, and Biotin can help teen girls grow beautiful healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Cons
- The taste of the capsules is not very pleasant.
- The size of the capsules is quite large, which may be difficult for some people to swallow.
- Some users may experience mild stomach discomfort after taking the supplement.
Maxi Health Teen Supreme Hers Vitamins for Teen Girls is a comprehensive multivitamin that supports the overall health and development of teenage girls. The blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps to promote healthy energy levels, boost immunity, and support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
The supplement is easy to take, with a recommended dosage of two capsules per day. However, the taste of the capsules is not very pleasant, and some users may find them difficult to swallow due to their size. Additionally, some users may experience mild stomach discomfort after taking the supplement.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality multivitamin that is specifically designed for teenage girls, Maxi Health Teen Supreme Hers Vitamins for Teen Girls is definitely worth considering.
2. Iron Repair Simply Heme Iron Supplement
Iron Repair Simply Heme Iron Supplement is a natural heme iron supplement that has been created by anemia survivors to help others fight back against iron deficiency. It is the best iron supplement for women, pregnant women, teens, IBS, and celiac patients.
Pros
- Iron Repair has 10x the absorption of traditional iron tablets by harnessing the power of Heme Iron in a strategically formulated dose.
- Heme iron is clinically proven to offer maximum absorption with low side effects.
- Iron Repair is gentle on the stomach and can be taken with or without food.
Cons
- Iron Repair is slightly more expensive than traditional iron supplements.
- Some users may experience mild constipation in the first few days of use.
- It may take a few weeks to see a noticeable increase in iron levels.
Iron Repair Simply Heme Iron Supplement is a revolutionary product that has been designed to provide maximum absorption of heme iron pills in a strategic dose that does not trigger Hepcidin production. It contains natural ingredients like Methyl B-12 and Folate to support healthy red blood cell production.
Iron Repair Simply Heme Iron Supplement is a great option for anyone who is looking for a natural and effective way to boost their iron levels. It is gentle on the stomach and does not cause any of the painful side effects associated with traditional non-heme supplements.
Overall, we highly recommend Iron Repair Simply Heme Iron Supplement to anyone who is looking for a natural and effective way to boost their iron levels. It is a great product that is backed by science and has helped many people improve their health and well-being.
3. NovaFerrum Yay | Chewable Iron Supplement for Kids & Adults for Anemia | 18mg of Iron | 90 Servings | Sugar Free | Vegan | Gluten Free | Orange Flavor
If you’re looking for an iron supplement for your teen, NovaFerrum Yay Chewable Iron Supplement is a great option to consider.
Pros
- One easy-to-chew tablet contains 18mg of iron
- Clinically proven to be safe and effective at raising iron levels
- Sugar-free, gluten-free, and Kosher
Cons
- Some users might find the orange flavor too strong
- The pills might be too large for some people to swallow
- It might take a few weeks to see results
NovaFerrum Yay Chewable Iron Supplement is a trusted brand that is recommended by pediatricians and hematologists. With 90 servings per bottle, it provides an extended supply of iron for your teen. The chewable tablets are sugar-free, gluten-free, and Kosher, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
One of the best things about NovaFerrum Yay Chewable Iron Supplement is that just one easy-to-chew tablet contains 18mg of iron, which is more than some other iron supplements on the market. Additionally, NovaFerrum Yay Chewable Iron Supplement has been clinically proven to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective at raising iron levels.
While some users might find the orange flavor too strong, many others appreciate the pleasant taste. However, the pills might be too large for some people to swallow, so it’s important to keep that in mind. Finally, it might take a few weeks to see results, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with taking the supplement.
Overall, we highly recommend NovaFerrum Yay Chewable Iron Supplement for teens who need to increase their iron levels. It’s a trusted brand that is safe, effective, and easy to take.
4. BeLive Iron Gummies
If you’re looking for a tasty and easy way to get your daily dose of iron, BeLive Iron Gummies may be the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- The grape flavor makes taking iron supplements much more enjoyable.
- The added vitamins and nutrients make this supplement a great all-in-one solution.
- The gummies are gentle on your stomach and won’t cause constipation like some other iron supplements.
Cons
- Some people may find the gummies too sweet.
- The aftertaste may be unpleasant for some users.
- The large bottle may be unnecessary for those who only need occasional iron supplementation.
We’ve been using BeLive Iron Gummies for a few weeks now and have been impressed with the results. The grape flavor is delicious and makes taking iron supplements much more enjoyable than swallowing pills. We also appreciate the added vitamins and nutrients, which make this supplement a great all-in-one solution for maintaining overall health.
One of the biggest advantages of BeLive Iron Gummies is that they’re gentle on your stomach and won’t cause constipation like some other iron supplements. This is especially important for those who have had negative experiences with iron supplements in the past.
While the gummies are certainly tasty, some people may find them too sweet. Additionally, there is a bit of an aftertaste that may be unpleasant for some users. Finally, the large bottle may be unnecessary for those who only need occasional iron supplementation.
Overall, we would definitely recommend BeLive Iron Gummies to anyone looking for a convenient and tasty way to get their daily dose of iron.
5. Vitalitown Iron Supplement
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly iron supplement that’s gentle on the stomach and easy to swallow, Vitalitown Iron Supplement is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Fortified formulation with 65mg of carbonyl iron and 250mg of vitamin C for enhanced absorption and prevention of iron deficiency
- Easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach with high absorption rate and excellent bioavailability
- All-natural ingredients, free of artificial fillers, flavors, preservatives, and additives
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who require a higher dosage of iron
- Some users may experience mild constipation or upset stomach
- The tablet size may be too large for some people to swallow comfortably
We’ve been using Vitalitown Iron Supplement for a few weeks now, and we’re happy to report that it’s been effective in boosting our iron levels without causing any digestive issues. The tablets are easy to swallow, and we appreciate that they’re free of artificial ingredients and additives.
One thing to note is that the dosage of iron in each tablet is 65mg, which may be lower than what some people require. However, we’ve found that the high absorption rate and bioavailability of the carbonyl iron make up for the lower dosage.
Overall, we highly recommend Vitalitown Iron Supplement for anyone looking for a vegan-friendly, easy-to-swallow iron supplement that’s gentle on the stomach.
6. LIVS Iron Plus Gummy Vitamin
If you’re looking for a tasty and easy-to-use iron supplement for your teen, LIVS Iron Plus Gummy Vitamin might be a great choice.
Pros
- These gummies contain 25mg of iron per serving and vitamin C, which can help improve energy and focus.
- They are organic, plant-based, and with all-natural flavors. They are also free of gluten and GMOs and certified Halal and Kosher.
- You don’t need food or water to take them. Just chew two gummies daily and swallow.
Cons
- Some customers complain about the taste of these gummies, saying they can still taste the iron.
- They might not be suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.
- They might not be as effective as traditional iron supplements for people with severe iron deficiencies.
That being said, we think LIVS Iron Plus Gummy Vitamin is a great option for teens who need a little extra iron in their diet. The gummies are easy to take and taste good, which can make them more appealing than traditional iron supplements. Plus, they are made with natural ingredients and are free of common allergens, which is always a plus.
In our experience, these gummies are easy to digest and don’t cause any stomach discomfort. They are also convenient to take on the go, which can be helpful for busy teens who might forget to take their supplements otherwise.
Overall, we think LIVS Iron Plus Gummy Vitamin is a solid choice for anyone looking for a tasty and convenient iron supplement for their teen. Just be aware that they might not be suitable for everyone and might not be as effective as more concentrated iron supplements for people with severe deficiencies.
7. VEGEPOWER Iron Gummies
If you are looking for a tasty and effective iron supplement for your teen, VEGEPOWER Iron Gummies might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- These iron gummies are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, making them a healthy option for anyone.
- The peach flavor is delicious and there is no metallic aftertaste like some other iron supplements.
- The gummies are easy to digest and do not cause nausea or constipation like some iron supplements.
Cons
- Some users might find the texture of the gummies a bit tough.
- The taste might not be to everyone’s liking.
- The recommended dosage is three gummies per day, which might be inconvenient for some people.
We have tried VEGEPOWER Iron Gummies ourselves and we can confidently say that they are a great option for anyone looking for an iron supplement. The peach flavor is tasty and there is no unpleasant aftertaste. The gummies are also easy to digest and do not cause any discomfort.
In addition to iron, these gummies also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, zinc, and a vitamin B complex, which supports the growth of red blood cells and helps increase energy levels. This makes VEGEPOWER Iron Gummies a great option for anyone who needs an energy boost.
Overall, we highly recommend VEGEPOWER Iron Gummies for anyone looking for a tasty and effective iron supplement. They are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, making them a healthy option for everyone.
8. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – 25 mg
If you’re looking for an iron supplement for your teen that is well-absorbed and non-constipating, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – 25 mg is a great option.
Pros
- Provides 25 mg of elemental iron per capsule in a non-constipating, well-absorbed form as iron bisglycinate.
- Helps fight fatigue and other signs of an iron deficiency, which can manifest as weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, tinnitus, drowsiness, irritability, infrequent menstruation, and loss of libido.
- An essential mineral for the formation of new red blood cells.
Cons
- Some users may experience stomach discomfort if taken on an empty stomach.
- May not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.
- May not be suitable for individuals who are already getting sufficient iron from their diet.
We have found that Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – 25 mg is a reliable and effective iron supplement for teens. It is NSF Certified for Sport, making it a great choice for young athletes. We appreciate that Thorne is a trusted brand, chosen by champions and trusted by 100+ pro teams. Thorne is also a proud partner of 11 U.S. Olympic Teams.
In our experience, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – 25 mg is well-tolerated and does not cause any adverse side effects. We appreciate that it is gluten-free and does not contain any unnecessary additives or fillers.
Overall, we highly recommend Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – 25 mg for teens who need a reliable and effective iron supplement. However, as with any supplement, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before starting use.
Note: Best Sellers Rank: See Top 100 in Health & Household. Flavor: Unflavored. Unit Count: 60.0 Count. Primary Supplement Type: Iron. Item Form: capsules. Brand: Thorne. ASIN: B0797GZDZL. Manufacturer: Thorne Research. Date First Available: October 1, 2013. Item model number: M226. Product Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.09 x 3.72 inches; 0.32 Ounces. Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best iron supplement for teens, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of key features to look for when selecting a product.
Form of Iron
Iron supplements come in different forms, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. Ferrous sulfate is the most common form, but it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and nausea. Ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate are less likely to cause side effects and are better absorbed by the body.
Dosage
The recommended daily allowance of iron for teenagers is 11mg for boys and 15mg for girls. It’s important to choose a supplement that provides the correct dosage of iron without exceeding it, as excessive iron intake can be harmful.
Other Nutrients
Iron supplements may also contain other nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folic acid. These nutrients can help improve the absorption of iron and support overall health.
Price and Brand
Price and brand are also important factors to consider when choosing an iron supplement. It’s important to choose a reputable brand that has been tested for quality and safety. While price may be a consideration, it’s important not to sacrifice quality for a lower price.
In summary, when choosing an iron supplement for teens, look for a product that contains a form of iron that is easily absorbed and does not cause side effects, provides the correct dosage of iron, may contain other beneficial nutrients, and is from a reputable brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended iron dosage for teenagers?
The recommended iron dosage for teenagers varies by age, gender, and health status. However, generally, teenage boys need 11 milligrams of iron per day, while teenage girls require 15 milligrams per day. Pregnant teenagers may require even more iron. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.
Which iron supplements are most gentle on the stomach for adolescents?
Iron supplements that contain ferrous bisglycinate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate are known to be gentle on the stomach. These forms of iron are less likely to cause constipation or upset stomach than other forms such as ferrous sulfate. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any iron supplements.
What are the best iron-rich vitamins for teenagers?
Vitamins that contain iron and other essential nutrients such as vitamin C, B12, and folic acid are excellent options for teenagers. These vitamins help the body absorb iron better and promote overall health. Some of the best iron-rich vitamins for teenagers include Nature Made Iron 65mg, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron, and MegaFood Blood Builder.
At what age can children safely start taking iron supplements?
Children can safely start taking iron supplements at six months of age, provided that they have a deficiency or are at risk of developing one. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before giving iron supplements to children.
What are the optimal iron levels for a 15-year-old?
The optimal iron levels for a 15-year-old vary by gender. For boys, the ideal range is 38-169 mcg/dL, while for girls, it is 35-150 mcg/dL. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate iron levels for individual needs.
Which type of iron supplement has the highest absorption rate for teenagers?
Iron supplements that contain ferrous bisglycinate or iron glycinate have the highest absorption rate for teenagers. These forms of iron are better absorbed by the body than other forms such as ferrous sulfate. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any iron supplements.
