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Ancient Nutrients Iron 18 mg

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(71 ratings)
Iron 18 mg
Bone Protein
Chicken Protein
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Score53

Good iron and active B-vitamin amounts are offset by an undisclosed iron form, opaque blend, and weak value.

How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:30 Capsule(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Hair Health
Productivity Boost

Score 53

Good iron and active B-vitamin amounts are offset by an undisclosed iron form, opaque blend, and weak value.

How scoring works
$25.46($0.84 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 25.46
Daily Vita
$ 25.46
BodyBuilding.com
$ 29.95
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Analysis

The formula supplies 18 mg iron with substantial methylfolate and 20 mcg methylcobalamin. Those B-vitamin forms provide relevant support for blood cell formation.

The actual iron compound is not disclosed, preventing a meaningful assessment of absorption and digestive tolerance. Vitamin C is present at 25 mg, while a 410 mg traditional blend does not reveal its individual components or amounts.

It is most relevant to deficiency-related fatigue or hair shedding, not general productivity. The broader blend and high serving cost make it less attractive than a clearly identified chelate.

Who is it for
  • Adults wanting iron with methylfolate and methylcobalamin
  • Users with a confirmed iron need
  • People comfortable with a proprietary traditional blend
Best for
  • Iron plus blood-cell cofactors
  • Deficiency-related energy support
  • Users prioritizing active folate and B12 forms

Pros

  • Provides 18 mg iron
  • Includes methylfolate
  • Includes methylcobalamin
  • One-capsule serving

Cons

  • Iron form is not disclosed
  • Vitamin C amount is modest
  • Traditional blend is proprietary
  • Poor iron-specific value

Warnings

  • The undisclosed iron compound limits tolerance and suitability assessment
  • The 18 mg iron serving should match an established need because unnecessary iron can accumulate
  • The proprietary traditional blend makes ingredient-sensitivity screening incomplete

Nutrient quality

69 High impact

Active folate and methylcobalamin strengthen blood-forming support around a useful iron amount. Unspecified iron and a large hidden herbal blend reduce quality and coherence.

Ingredient transparency

47 Lower impact

Several nutrient amounts are clear, but the iron form and individual herbal doses are hidden. Full directions and non-active ingredients are also absent.

Customer satisfaction

62 Moderate impact

The aggregate satisfaction metric is strong and supported by a useful volume of ratings. Specific firsthand feedback is absent, so recurring complaints and purpose fit cannot be assessed.

Value for money

32 Situational impact

Active B vitamins add useful support, but the hidden blend and high serving cost weaken value. More transparent chelated iron products provide stronger category competition.

Report analysis

Goals

Energy
Essential Energy Nutrients
Energy
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitB- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageC+ Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 20 mcgIron · 18 mg

A well-aligned iron serving supports oxygen transport, while methylfolate and methylcobalamin aid red-blood-cell formation. The formula is most relevant when low iron contributes to fatigue.

The iron compound is not disclosed, and the vitamin C amount is too small to provide strong absorption support. A proprietary traditional blend adds uncertainty and may not contribute meaningfully to energy.

Study evidence
Iron Supportive 74 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportC CoverageB- Formula Quality
Iron · 18 mgVitamin C · 25 mg

A meaningful iron amount directly addresses hair shedding caused by low iron stores, with methylfolate and methylcobalamin as supporting nutrients. It is unlikely to help iron-replete users and does not cover other major hair pathways.

The missing iron form makes absorption and digestive tolerance hard to judge, while vitamin C is modest. Iron should not be used for hair without a demonstrated need because unnecessary supplementation can cause harm.

Study evidence
Folate Mixed 15 studies
Iron Disputed 25 studies
Vitamin C Mixed 5 studies
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
Moderate effect
D- Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD- CoverageC Formula Quality
Iron · 18 mgVitamin B12 · 20 mcgVitamin B12 · 20 mcg

Iron offers only a limited connection to focused productivity. Some relevant amounts are useful, while others are better suited to basic support.

Coverage is concentrated on nutrient-related fatigue support. The broader formula is designed for another purpose, so several ingredients add little direct focus support.

Study evidence
Iron Supportive 69 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C
25 mg
Folate ((6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, Glucosamine Salt)
 900 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
 20 mcg
Iron
18 mg
Ancient Nutrients TCM Blend
410 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Iron · 18 mg OverallScore54
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Missing iron-form disclosure prevents a meaningful judgment of absorption and digestive tolerance. The elemental amount falls within the preferred effective and safety range. The capsule format is practical but has no stated slow-release or liquid advantage. A single-unit serving supports convenient use. Folate or vitamin B12 is present, but vitamin C does not reach the absorption-support threshold. Serving cost provides poor iron-specific value.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
88 Performance

Gentle Iron 28 mg

Nature's Bounty
<p>Ferrous bisglycinate is paired coherently with vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12 for absorption and blood-building support. Compared with the original unspecified or cluttered iron approach, the disclosed chelate and supportive nutrients are much easier to assess.</p>
87 Performance

Vegan True Iron Support

Source Naturals
<p>Iron bisglycinate, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12 create a focused formula with clearly disclosed active amounts. Compared with the original unspecified or cluttered iron approach, the disclosed chelate and supportive nutrients are much easier to assess.</p>
85 Performance

Iron Complex

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
<p>Ferrochel iron, vitamin C, methylcobalamin, folate, and histidine form a well-specified formula for confirmed iron need. Compared with the original unspecified or cluttered iron approach, the disclosed chelate and supportive nutrients are much easier to assess.</p>
89 Budget

Iron 18 mg

NOW
<p>Iron bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed, generally gentle form at a useful maintenance amount with clear dosing. Compared with the original poorly focused or opaque ingredient mix, the simple chelated formula provides clearer iron support and stronger everyday value.</p>
86 Budget

Albion Chelated Ferrochel Iron 18 mg

Swanson Ultra
<p>TRAACS Ferrochel supplies a well-defined chelated form at a useful lower-end amount in a clean formula. Compared with the original poorly focused or opaque ingredient mix, the simple chelated formula provides clearer iron support and stronger everyday value.</p>
89 Budget

Chelated Iron 27 mg

Carlson
<p>Iron bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed, generally gentle form at a meaningful targeted amount. Compared with the original poorly focused or opaque ingredient mix, the simple chelated formula provides clearer iron support and stronger everyday value.</p>
88 Value

Chelated Iron

Solgar
<p>Iron bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed, generally gentle form in a simple focused capsule. Compared with the original limited iron focus, the clearer dosing and streamlined formula provide stronger practical value for a confirmed need.</p>
88 Value

Chelated Iron 27 mg

Carlson
<p>Iron bisglycinate provides a clearly disclosed, generally gentle form at a useful targeted amount. Compared with the original limited iron focus, the clearer dosing and streamlined formula provide stronger practical value for a confirmed need.</p>
83 Value

Iron Complex

NOW
<p>Chelated iron, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12 form a coherent formula, though dong quai may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines. Compared with the original limited iron focus, the clearer dosing and streamlined formula provide stronger practical value for a confirmed need.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Large-dose intravenous ferric carboxymaltose injection for iron deficiency anemia in heavy uterine bleeding: a randomized, controlled trial.
    Van Wyck DB; Mangione A; Morrison J; Hadley PE; Jehle JA; Goodnough LT · Transfusion · 2010
    Randomized trial477 participantsEnergy forIron
  2. The Effect of Parenteral or Oral Iron Supplementation on Fatigue, Sleep, Quality of Life and Restless Legs Syndrome in Iron-Deficient Blood Donors: A Secondary Analysis of the IronWoMan RCT.
    Macher S; Herster C; Holter M; Moritz M; Matzhold EM; Stojakovic T; Pieber TR; Schlenke P; Drexler C; Amrein K · Nutrients · 2021
    Randomized trial176 participantsEnergy forIron
  3. Ferric carboxymaltose vs. oral iron in the treatment of pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia: an international, open-label, randomized controlled trial (FER-ASAP).
    Breymann C; Milman N; Mezzacasa A; Bernard R; Dudenhausen J; FER-ASAP investigators · Journal of perinatal medicine · 2018
    Randomized trial252 participantsEnergy forIron
  4. Effect of iron therapy on fatigue symptoms in non-anaemic iron deficient women of reproductive age- A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Sultana N; Bajwa FA; Sikandar MZ; Haider MM; Majeed T · JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association · 2026
    Randomized trial164 participantsEnergy forIron
  5. Intravenous iron isomaltoside treatment of women suffering from severe fatigue after postpartum hemorrhage.
    Holm C; Thomsen LL; Langhoff-Roos J · The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians · 2019
    Randomized trial85 participantsEnergy forIron
  6. Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
    Zhang W; Fan M; Wang C; Mahawar K; Parmar C; Chen W; Yang W; Global Bariatric Research Collaborative · Obesity surgery · 2021
    Meta-analysis2,538 participants18 studies pooledHair Health forFolate
  7. Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss.
    Al-Fawaeir S; Al-Odat I · Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025
    Case-control study200 participantsHair Health forFolate
  8. Twelve weeks of protracted venous infusion of fluorouracil (5-FU) is as effective as 6 months of bolus 5-FU and folinic acid as adjuvant treatment in colorectal cancer.
    Saini A; Norman AR; Cunningham D; Chau I; Hill M; Tait D; Hickish T; Iveson T; Lofts F; Jodrell D; Ross PJ; Oates J · British journal of cancer · 2003
    Randomized trialHair Health forFolate
  9. Role of oxaliplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in the first- and second-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.
    Jonker D; Rumble RB; Maroun J; Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site Groupof Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care · Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) · 2012
    Randomized trialHair Health forFolate
  10. Phase I-II study of vinorelbine in combination with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: a regimen with a low subjective toxic burden.
    Nolè F; de Braud F; Aapro M; Minchella I; De Pas TM; Zampino MG; Monti S; Andreoni G; Goldhirsch A · Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology · 1997
    Randomized trialHair Health forFolate
  11. The Association Between Alopecia Areata and Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Large-Scale Population-Based Case-Control Study.
    Davidovici B; Drutin Y; Ben-Tov A; Mimouni D; Wohl Y · Journal of personalized medicine · 2026
    Case-control study100,203 participantsHair Health forIron
  12. Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Treister-Goltzman Y; Yarza S; Peleg R · Skin appendage disorders · 2022
    Meta-analysis10,029 participants36 studies pooledHair Health forIron
  13. Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Hair Loss and Micronutrient Deficiencies After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy.
    Chinisaz F; Maleki T; Najjari K; Miratashi Yazdi SA · Obesity surgery · 2026
    Cohort study261 participantsHair Health forIron
  14. Assessment of Serum Ferritin Levels in Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium.
    Thamotharan N; Harikumar MV; Sundaram M; Swaminathan A; Rangarajan S · Cureus · 2026
    Cross-sectional study100 participantsHair Health forIron
  15. Diagnosis and treatment of female alopecia: Focusing on the iron deficiency-related alopecia.
    Lin CS; Chan LY; Wang JH; Chang CH · Tzu chi medical journal · 2023
    Cohort study155 participantsHair Health forIron
  16. Management of hair loss associated with endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer: an overview.
    Karatas F; Sahin S; Sever AR; Altundag K · SpringerPlus · 2016
    Narrative reviewHair Health forVitamin C
  17. Elucidating causal relationships of diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of non-scarring alopecia: A Mendelian randomization study.
    Ba Y; Shen L; Peng X; Zhang Y; Wang J · Medicine · 2024
    Methods validation study201,019 participantsHair Health forVitamin C
  18. Alterations of plasma antioxidants and mitochondrial DNA mutation in hair follicles of smokers.
    Liu CS; Chen HW; Lii CK; Tsai CS; Kuo CL; Wei YH · Environmental and molecular mutagenesis · 2002
    Observational studyHair Health forVitamin C
  19. Removal of synthetic hair dye using formamidine sulfinic acid and other sulfinate precursors.
    Hawkes JA; Lewis DM; Mama J; Murray J · International journal of cosmetic science · 2026
    Methods validation studyHair Health forVitamin C
  20. A Zinc Sulphate-Resistant Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Patient with a Novel Mutation in SLC39A4 Gene.
    Kilic M; Taskesen M; Coskun T; Gürakan F; Tokatli A; Sivri HS; Dursun A; Schmitt S; Küry S · JIMD reports · 2013
    Case reportHair Health forVitamin C
  21. Effects of daily iron supplementation in primary-school-aged children: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Low M; Farrell A; Biggs BA; Pasricha SR · CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne · 2014
    Meta-analysis7,089 participants32 studies pooledProductivity Boost forIron
  22. Consumption of Iron-Biofortified Beans Positively Affects Cognitive Performance in 18- to 27-Year-Old Rwandan Female College Students in an 18-Week Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial.
    Murray-Kolb LE; Wenger MJ; Scott SP; Rhoten SE; Lung'aho MG; Haas JD · The Journal of nutrition · 2017
    Randomized trial150 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  23. Functional consequences of iron supplementation in iron-deficient female cotton mill workers in Beijing, China.
    Li R; Chen X; Yan H; Deurenberg P; Garby L; Hautvast JG · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1994
    Randomized trial80 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  24. The Effect of Iron-Fortified Lentils on Blood and Cognitive Status among Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh.
    Barnett AL; Wenger MJ; Yunus FM; Jalal C; DellaValle DM · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial359 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  25. Daily iron supplementation for improving anaemia, iron status and health in menstruating women.
    Low MS; Speedy J; Styles CE; De-Regil LM; Pasricha SR · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2016
    Meta-analysis8,506 participants67 studies pooledProductivity Boost forIron