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Blood Builder

4.6
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(49011 ratings)
Iron 26 mg
Product Image
Score75
A tablet that provides 26 mg of iron and is best matched to a demonstrated need. Form quality and supporting nutrients determine whether it stands out.
How scoring works
Tablet
Quantity:180 Tablet(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Hair Health
Productivity Boost

Score 75

A tablet that provides 26 mg of iron and is best matched to a demonstrated need. Form quality and supporting nutrients determine whether it stands out.
How scoring works
$45.99($1.53 per serving)
iHerb
$ 45.99
Vitacost
$ 48.03
Amazon
$ 45.99
Walmart
$ 45.99
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Analysis

The 26 mg serving uses iron bisglycinate, a well-absorbed and generally gentle chelated form. Vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, and beet add coherent blood-building support, although the vitamin C amount is modest.

Iron may support energy, concentration, and reduced shedding when low iron status is the underlying issue. It is not a general energy, productivity, or hair aid for people whose iron stores are already adequate.

Even a well-chosen iron form can cause nausea, constipation, or other digestive effects. The limited serving value is useful, but need-based use matters more than low cost.

Who is it for
  • adults with a demonstrated need for 26 mg of supplemental iron
  • People whose diet or laboratory results indicate low iron
  • People who prefer a tablet
Best for
  • Iron support with blood-building cofactors
  • Red-blood-cell nutrient support
  • Users who value the specific format

Pros

  • Clearly states 26 mg of iron
  • iron bisglycinate is explicitly identified
  • Includes useful blood-cell cofactors

Cons

  • Vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, and beet add coherent blood-building support, although the vitamin C amount is modest.
  • Does not address non-iron causes of fatigue or hair shedding
  • High or uncompetitive cost for iron delivery

Warnings

  • Use the 26 mg iron serving only when iron status or increased need supports supplementation.
  • Iron may still cause nausea, constipation, or stomach discomfort.
  • Keep the iron supplement securely away from children because accidental overdose can be dangerous.

Nutrient quality

90 Highest impact

Ferrous bisglycinate is a well-absorbed form that is often gentler than basic iron salts. The iron amount is substantial enough to matter when low iron is confirmed.

Ingredient transparency

78 High impact

Listed active ingredients have stated amounts, and no proprietary blend hides a combined total. Complete intake directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied, while most names are understandable, but duplicated nutrient entries make the label harder to interpret.

Customer satisfaction

74 High impact

The average rating is good, and the review count is very large. No review text is supplied to assess recurring complaints or purpose-specific experience.

Value for money

52 Moderate impact

Strong iron quality and useful cofactors support a premium position, but the serving cost remains high. The serving is costly despite delivering a meaningful amount.

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Goals

Energy
Energy
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportB- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 30 mcgIron · 26 mg

The 26 mg iron serving can meaningfully support energy when iron deficiency limits oxygen transport. The disclosed iron bisglycinate form is generally well absorbed and often better tolerated than basic iron salts.

Vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12 add useful blood-formation cofactors, giving the formula more depth than iron alone. Iron at this amount is best used for a confirmed need because unnecessary supplementation can cause digestive effects and harmful iron accumulation.

Study evidence
Iron Supportive 74 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA Formula Quality
Iron · 26 mgVitamin C · 15 mg

Twenty-six to twenty-seven milligrams of iron may meaningfully reduce shedding when low iron stores are the cause. Iron has strong relevance for confirmed deficiency, but it does not broadly address hair loss from other causes.

Iron bisglycinate is well absorbed, and folate and vitamin B12 support blood-cell needs, though vitamin C is modest. Iron should not be used casually when stores are adequate because excess iron is unsafe for people with iron-overload disorders.

Study evidence
Folate Mixed 15 studies
Iron Disputed 25 studies
Vitamin C Mixed 5 studies
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Iron · 26 mgVitamin B12 · 30 mcgVitamin B12 · 30 mcg

Iron can restore energy and concentration when iron deficiency or anemia is present, but it is not a general productivity enhancer. The deficiency-related benefit is well established and highly dependent on baseline iron status.

The 26 mg iron amount is paired with folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and beet for broader blood-building support. Unneeded iron can cause digestive effects and accumulate in people with iron-overload disorders, so use should match a documented need.

Study evidence
Iron Supportive 69 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C
15 mg
Folate (Folic Acid)
 680 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
 30 mcg
Iron (Iron Bisglycinate)
 26 mg
Beet
125 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Iron (Iron Bisglycinate) · 26 mg OverallScore75
B Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Iron bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed form at an effective 26 mg elemental dose. Folate and vitamin B12 support red blood cell needs, although the 15 mg vitamin C amount falls short of the absorption-support target. One-tablet dosing is convenient, but the cost per serving is high for the collection.

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, the named chelate and coherent cofactors improve form clarity or remove duplicated and low-value additions.</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, the named chelate and coherent cofactors improve form clarity or remove duplicated and low-value additions.</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, the named chelate and coherent cofactors improve form clarity or remove duplicated and low-value additions.</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 multi-ingredient formula, the simpler chelated option preserves useful iron support at 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 multi-ingredient formula, the simpler chelated option preserves useful iron support at 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 multi-ingredient formula, the simpler chelated option preserves useful iron support at 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 broader formula, the focused chelate offers strong practical value while keeping the active iron easy to assess.</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 broader formula, the focused chelate offers strong practical value while keeping the active iron easy to assess.</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 broader formula, the focused chelate offers strong practical value while keeping the active iron easy to assess.</p>
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Sources

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

  1. 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
  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. Intravenous iron for the treatment of fatigue in nonanemic, premenopausal women with low serum ferritin concentration.
    Krayenbuehl PA; Battegay E; Breymann C; Furrer J; Schulthess G · Blood · 2011
    Randomized trial90 participantsEnergy forIron
  4. Clinical evaluation of iron treatment efficiency among non-anemic but iron-deficient female blood donors: a randomized controlled trial.
    Waldvogel S; Pedrazzini B; Vaucher P; Bize R; Cornuz J; Tissot JD; Favrat B · BMC medicine · 2012
    Randomized trial154 participantsEnergy forIron
  5. Maternal Fatigue after Postpartum Anemia Treatment with Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose vs. Intravenous Ferric Derisomaltose vs. Oral Ferrous Sulphate: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Bombač Tavčar L; Hrobat H; Gornik L; Preložnik Zupan I; Vidmar Šimic M; Pečlin P; Kavšek G; Lučovnik M · Journal of clinical medicine · 2024
    Randomized trial300 participantsEnergy forIron
  6. Iron deficiency, general health and fatigue: results from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.
    Patterson AJ; Brown WJ; Powers JR; Roberts DC · Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation · 2001
    Cohort studyEnergy forIron
  7. Iron-deficiency anaemia and its effect on worker productivity and activity patterns.
    Edgerton VR; Gardner GW; Ohira Y; Gunawardena KA; Senewiratne B · British medical journal · 1980
    Non-randomized trialProductivity Boost forIron
  8. 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
  9. Cognitive Performance in Indian School-Going Adolescents Is Positively Affected by Consumption of Iron-Biofortified Pearl Millet: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial.
    Scott SP; Murray-Kolb LE; Wenger MJ; Udipi SA; Ghugre PS; Boy E; Haas JD · The Journal of nutrition · 2019
    Randomized trial140 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  10. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of iron supplementation in female soldiers during military training: effects on iron status, physical performance, and mood.
    McClung JP; Karl JP; Cable SJ; Williams KW; Nindl BC; Young AJ; Lieberman HR · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2009
    Randomized trial219 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  11. Iron Status, Anemia, and Iron Interventions and Their Associations with Cognitive and Academic Performance in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
    Samson KLI; Fischer JAJ; Roche ML · Nutrients · 2022
    Systematic review50 studies pooledProductivity Boost forIron
  12. Efficacy of iron and/or zinc supplementation on cognitive performance of lead-exposed Mexican schoolchildren: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    Rico JA; Kordas K; López P; Rosado JL; Vargas GG; Ronquillo D; Stoltzfus RJ · Pediatrics · 2006
    Randomized trial602 participantsProductivity Boost forIron
  13. The impact of brain iron accumulation on cognition: A systematic review.
    Spence H; McNeil CJ; Waiter GD · PloS one · 2020
    Systematic review41 studies pooledProductivity Boost forIron
  14. Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss.
    Park SY; Na SY; Kim JH; Cho S; Lee JH · Journal of Korean medical science · 2014
    Case-control study420 participantsHair Health forIron
  15. Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women.
    Moeinvaziri M; Mansoori P; Holakooee K; Safaee Naraghi Z; Abbasi A · Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC · 2010
    Case-control study60 participantsHair Health forIron
  16. Low iron stores: a risk factor for excessive hair loss in non-menopausal women.
    Deloche C; Bastien P; Chadoutaud S; Galan P; Bertrais S; Hercberg S; de Lacharrière O · European journal of dermatology : EJD · 2008
    Cross-sectional study5,110 participantsHair Health forIron
  17. A Hospital-based Study to Determine Causes of Diffuse Hair Loss in Women.
    Malkud S · Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR · 2015
    Observational study180 participantsHair Health forIron
  18. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to iron and maintenance of normal hair growth pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusHair Health forIron
  19. 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 forIron Hair Health forFolate
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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