Product Image

Iron Complex

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
4.7
(10071 ratings)
Iron 25 mg
Vitamin B12 80 mcg
Histidine 100 mg
Folate 400 mcg
Product Image
Score 95.0

This Iron Complex features highly absorbable Ferrochel iron, combined with essential co-factors Vitamin C, Methylcobalamin B12, and Folic Acid, making it an excellent choice for combating iron deficiency and supporting energy, brain, and mood health with minimal digestive upset.

Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
Productivity Boost
Hair Health
Mood Support
General Health

Score 95.0

This Iron Complex features highly absorbable Ferrochel iron, combined with essential co-factors Vitamin C, Methylcobalamin B12, and Folic Acid, making it an excellent choice for combating iron deficiency and supporting energy, brain, and mood health with minimal digestive upset.

Analysis

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler's Iron Complex is a thoughtfully formulated supplement designed to address iron deficiency and support a wide array of health goals. Its primary strength lies in its use of Ferrochel (iron bisglycinate chelate), a highly bioavailable form of iron known for superior absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to common forms like ferrous sulfate or fumarate. This is a significant advantage for user compliance and effectiveness, as frequently cited by nutritionists and online reviews. The inclusion of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is crucial as it substantially enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, maximizing the benefit of the iron component. Furthermore, the presence of Methylcobalamin (active Vitamin B12) and Folic Acid is synergistic; these B vitamins are essential for red blood cell formation, preventing megaloblastic anemia, and supporting neurological health, all of which often go hand-in-hand with iron deficiency. L-Histidine is an interesting addition, an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis and immune function, though its direct contribution to iron metabolism or the core stated goals of this particular complex is less prominent than the other ingredients. The product's high review count and competitive price per serving further enhance its appeal, indicating widespread user satisfaction and good value.

Pros
  • Uses Ferrochel (iron bisglycinate chelate), a highly bioavailable and gentle form of iron, significantly reducing common gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and nausea.
  • Includes Vitamin C, which is essential for maximizing non-heme iron absorption in the body.
  • Contains Methylcobalamin, the active and more readily utilized form of Vitamin B12, enhancing neurological and energy support.
  • Provides Folic Acid, crucial for red blood cell production and synergistic with B12 and iron for overall blood health.
  • Very cost-effective at $0.16 per serving, offering good value for a comprehensive iron complex.
  • High review count (10044) suggests widespread positive user experience and efficacy.
Cons
  • While L-Histidine is an essential amino acid, its specific added benefit in an iron complex compared to other primary ingredients isn't a main driver for its core goals.
Warnings
  • Iron supplements should be taken under medical advice, especially for prolonged periods, as excessive iron can be harmful.
  • Individuals with hemochromatosis or other iron overload disorders should strictly avoid iron supplementation.
  • May interact with certain medications (e.g., thyroid hormones, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors); consult a healthcare professional.
$16.22($0.16 per serving)
Amazon
$ 16.22
Vitacost
$ 16.29
Pure Formulas
$ 16.22
iHerb
$ 16.22
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 60 mg
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 80 mcg
Folic Acid 400 mcg
Ferrochel (Iron) 25 mg
L-Histidine (L-Histidine Hydrochloride) 100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Kosher Dairy Free
Categories
Iron 98.0
The use of Ferrochel (iron bisglycinate chelate) is a standout feature, known for its superior absorption and low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared to other iron forms, making it highly effective for supplementation.
Vitamin B12 95.0
The product uses Methylcobalamin, the active and highly bioavailable form of B12, ensuring good absorption and efficacy for neurological function and red blood cell production.
Folate 85.0
The product contains Folic Acid, which is a common and effective form of folate, essential for cell division and red blood cell formation, and works synergistically with B12 for optimal blood health.
Goals
Energy 95.0
Iron is vital for oxygen transport and energy production; its deficiency is a primary cause of fatigue. The inclusion of B12 and Folate further supports cellular energy metabolism and red blood cell formation, directly contributing to sustained energy levels.
Brain Health 90.0
Iron plays a critical role in neurotransmitter synthesis and myelin formation, both essential for brain function. Vitamin B12 and Folate are crucial for neurological health and cognitive processes, making this complex highly beneficial for brain health.
Cognitive Support 90.0
Adequate iron levels are necessary for optimal cognitive function, including memory and concentration. B12 and Folate are also directly involved in nerve health and neurotransmission, making this a strong formula for cognitive support.
87 Value

Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
(11077 ratings)
This product delivers a strong dose of active Methylcobalamin B12 (1000mcg) at a very competitive price per serving ($0.08 vs $0.12), offering excellent quality and potency for its cost, making it a great value for those prioritizing B12.
85 Value

Vegan B12

DEVA
4.7
(6800 ratings)
Offering a robust 1000mcg of Methylcobalamin B12 and 400mcg of Folic Acid at a favorable price per serving ($0.08), this alternative provides comprehensive B vitamin support in a well-regarded form, especially appealing to vegan consumers seeking good value.
90 Value

Vegan Iron 25 mg

VegLife
4.7
(1555 ratings)
This product offers exceptional value by not only including actual iron (Ferrous Fumarate) at a good dose but also providing Vitamin B12 and Folate, all at a very low price per serving ($0.07). It addresses the original product's iron deficiency while offering key B vitamins cost-effectively.
90 Performance

BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12

Life Extension
4.8
(9998 ratings)
This alternative offers superior, active forms of both Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) and Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), ensuring better absorption and utilization, especially for individuals with MTHFR gene variations. This makes it nutritionally superior to the original product's Folic Acid.
88 Performance

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(30986 ratings)
Providing a significantly higher dose of the active Methylcobalamin B12 (1500mcg vs 80mcg), this alternative offers enhanced support for energy and neurological function. It delivers a more potent B12 experience, which can be beneficial for those with greater needs.
95 Performance

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
This alternative is 'better' because it actually contains iron (Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate), addressing the major misleading aspect of the original product's name. It offers a well-absorbed and effective form of iron, making it suitable for its true intended purpose as an 'Iron Complex' should be.
85 Budget

B-12 500 mcg

21st Century
4.7
(10877 ratings)
This alternative offers Vitamin B12 at an exceptionally low price per serving ($0.04 vs $0.12), making it a highly economical choice for basic B12 supplementation. While it uses Cyanocobalamin, its cost-effectiveness is unmatched for simple B12 needs.
80 Budget

Vitamin B-12 500 mcg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
(5180 ratings)
At $0.08 per serving, this B12 supplement is significantly cheaper than the Zahler product while still providing a standard dose of Vitamin B12. It offers a straightforward and budget-friendly option for those primarily seeking B12.
78 Budget

B 50 Complex

Thompson
4.7
(2864 ratings)
This product provides both Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) and Folic Acid at a much lower price per serving ($0.08 compared to $0.12), offering similar core B vitamin components more affordably than the original Iron Complex.
87 Value

Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
(11077 ratings)
This product delivers a strong dose of active Methylcobalamin B12 (1000mcg) at a very competitive price per serving ($0.08 vs $0.12), offering excellent quality and potency for its cost, making it a great value for those prioritizing B12.
85 Value

Vegan B12

DEVA
4.7
(6800 ratings)
Offering a robust 1000mcg of Methylcobalamin B12 and 400mcg of Folic Acid at a favorable price per serving ($0.08), this alternative provides comprehensive B vitamin support in a well-regarded form, especially appealing to vegan consumers seeking good value.
90 Value

Vegan Iron 25 mg

VegLife
4.7
(1555 ratings)
This product offers exceptional value by not only including actual iron (Ferrous Fumarate) at a good dose but also providing Vitamin B12 and Folate, all at a very low price per serving ($0.07). It addresses the original product's iron deficiency while offering key B vitamins cost-effectively.
90 Performance

BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12

Life Extension
4.8
(9998 ratings)
This alternative offers superior, active forms of both Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) and Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), ensuring better absorption and utilization, especially for individuals with MTHFR gene variations. This makes it nutritionally superior to the original product's Folic Acid.
88 Performance

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(30986 ratings)
Providing a significantly higher dose of the active Methylcobalamin B12 (1500mcg vs 80mcg), this alternative offers enhanced support for energy and neurological function. It delivers a more potent B12 experience, which can be beneficial for those with greater needs.
95 Performance

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
This alternative is 'better' because it actually contains iron (Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate), addressing the major misleading aspect of the original product's name. It offers a well-absorbed and effective form of iron, making it suitable for its true intended purpose as an 'Iron Complex' should be.