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Slow Release Iron

21st Century
4.6
(16938 ratings)
Iron 45 mg
Product Image
Score 65.0

A slow-release ferrous sulfate iron supplement (45mg) aiming for gentleness, but its efficacy is compromised by co-formulated calcium.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
General Health
Immunity
Cognitive Support
Productivity Boost

Score 65.0

A slow-release ferrous sulfate iron supplement (45mg) aiming for gentleness, but its efficacy is compromised by co-formulated calcium.

Analysis

21st Century Slow Release Iron offers 45mg of iron as dried ferrous sulfate, formulated for slow release to potentially minimize common gastrointestinal side effects. This dosage is adequate for addressing iron deficiency. However, a notable drawback is the inclusion of calcium carbonate, an ingredient known to inhibit iron absorption. For optimal effectiveness, this supplement would need to be taken separately from meals or other supplements containing calcium, which adds a layer of inconvenience and potential for reduced efficacy if not managed properly.

Pros
  • Slow-release formulation may reduce gastrointestinal side effects
  • Provides a substantial 45mg dose of iron
  • Affordable price per serving
Cons
  • Contains calcium, which can inhibit iron absorption if taken concurrently
  • Requires careful timing of intake to avoid reduced efficacy
  • Ferrous sulfate can still cause side effects for some individuals
Warnings
  • Take this supplement at least 2 hours apart from calcium-rich foods or supplements to maximize iron absorption.
  • Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have existing health conditions.
$2.69($0.04 per serving)
Amazon
$ 3.36
Walmart
$ 6.65
Pure Formulas
$ 2.69
iHerb
$ 4.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 31 mg
Iron (dried Ferrous Sulfate) 45 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Categories
Iron 65.0
It's a reasonably dosed iron supplement, and the slow-release mechanism is a positive feature for stomach comfort. However, the presence of calcium is a significant formulation flaw that reduces its effectiveness as a sole iron source compared to products without absorption inhibitors.
Goals
Energy 68.0
The 45mg iron dose is effective for improving energy levels, and the slow-release may enhance tolerability. However, the presence of calcium could reduce the amount of absorbed iron, potentially slowing energy improvement.
Productivity Boost 68.0
While a good iron dose can enhance cognitive function, the co-presence of calcium may hinder optimal absorption, meaning the full productivity boosting potential might not be realized without careful dosing practices.
Hair Health 68.0
Iron is important for hair health. The iron content is beneficial, but the calcium could interfere with consistent iron delivery to the body, potentially limiting its full impact on hair.
90 Value

Vegan Chelated Iron 29 mg

DEVA
4.7
(2116 ratings)
Offers a superior form of iron (Iron Amino Acid Chelate) with added Vitamin B12 for a small price increase, providing outstanding value for quality, better absorption, and reduced side effects compared to slow-release ferrous sulfate.
90 Value

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
Provides a premium, highly bioavailable, and gentle form of iron (Ferrochel) at a very low price per serving. Excellent value for daily supplementation, offering comparable or superior gentleness to slow-release ferrous sulfate at a lower cost.
85 Value

Iron 27 mg

21st Century
4.7
(7717 ratings)
Offers a gentler form of iron (Ferrous Gluconate) at a significantly more affordable price per serving. While not slow-release, its inherent gentleness and very low cost make it a great value alternative for those seeking to avoid GI upset.
98 Performance

Basic Prenatal

Thorne
4.6
(15951 ratings)
A premium multivitamin with a highly bioavailable and gentle chelated iron (Ferrochel, 45mg), which is often superior to slow-release ferrous sulfate in terms of absorption consistency and GI comfort. Includes a comprehensive blend of synergistic nutrients.
95 Performance

Ultimate Iron

Nature's Way
4.6
(1484 ratings)
Contains a robust dose of Ferrous Succinate, a generally better-tolerated form of iron, along with Vitamin C, Folate, and B12, providing a synergistic approach to iron support that is often more effective and comfortable than slow-release ferrous sulfate.
92 Performance

Iron 50 mg

Solaray
4.8
(10017 ratings)
Offers a high dose of Iron Amino Acid Chelate, a gentle and highly bioavailable form of iron that typically causes fewer side effects than any form of ferrous sulfate, including slow-release, providing superior overall tolerability and effectiveness.
75 Budget

Iron 65 mg

21st Century
4.7
(22466 ratings)
Marginally more affordable per serving for a higher dose of ferrous sulfate, though it lacks the slow-release feature for improved tolerability.
75 Budget

Iron 65 mg

Nature Made
4.7
(49674 ratings)
Slightly more affordable per serving for a higher dose of ferrous sulfate, without the slow-release benefit of the original.
85 Budget

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
More affordable per serving and provides a highly bioavailable and gentle form of iron (Ferrochel). Offers better efficiency and tolerability for daily use at a lower cost, comparable in gentleness to slow-release.
90 Value

Vegan Chelated Iron 29 mg

DEVA
4.7
(2116 ratings)
Offers a superior form of iron (Iron Amino Acid Chelate) with added Vitamin B12 for a small price increase, providing outstanding value for quality, better absorption, and reduced side effects compared to slow-release ferrous sulfate.
90 Value

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
Provides a premium, highly bioavailable, and gentle form of iron (Ferrochel) at a very low price per serving. Excellent value for daily supplementation, offering comparable or superior gentleness to slow-release ferrous sulfate at a lower cost.
85 Value

Iron 27 mg

21st Century
4.7
(7717 ratings)
Offers a gentler form of iron (Ferrous Gluconate) at a significantly more affordable price per serving. While not slow-release, its inherent gentleness and very low cost make it a great value alternative for those seeking to avoid GI upset.
98 Performance

Basic Prenatal

Thorne
4.6
(15951 ratings)
A premium multivitamin with a highly bioavailable and gentle chelated iron (Ferrochel, 45mg), which is often superior to slow-release ferrous sulfate in terms of absorption consistency and GI comfort. Includes a comprehensive blend of synergistic nutrients.
95 Performance

Ultimate Iron

Nature's Way
4.6
(1484 ratings)
Contains a robust dose of Ferrous Succinate, a generally better-tolerated form of iron, along with Vitamin C, Folate, and B12, providing a synergistic approach to iron support that is often more effective and comfortable than slow-release ferrous sulfate.
92 Performance

Iron 50 mg

Solaray
4.8
(10017 ratings)
Offers a high dose of Iron Amino Acid Chelate, a gentle and highly bioavailable form of iron that typically causes fewer side effects than any form of ferrous sulfate, including slow-release, providing superior overall tolerability and effectiveness.