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Smart supplements: Which iron supplements should you take?
In May and June 2001, ConsumerLab.com purchased 19 iron supplements, several of which also listed ingredients including vitamin C, folic acid and other B vitamins, various herbs, and/or calcium. These products were tested for their amount of iron, their ability to disintegrate properly - a major factor for the iron to be absorbed by the body, and their levels of lead.
Out of the nineteen products tested, 17 passed all criteria. Among the two that did not pass, one product - a store-brand supplement from a major pharmacy chain - had only 73% of its claimed 27 mg of iron per capsule. The other product did not pass because it contained lead at a level in excess of 0.5 micrograms per daily serving - the maximum allowed under the state of California's strict Proposition 65 law. This product, from a national manufacturer, contained additional vitamins and herbs and was specifically marketed for use by women. Most lead poisoning results from multiple exposures over time and while the level found in this supplement does not represent an immediate threat in itself, it unnecessarily contributes to daily lead exposure. The other iron products tested contained far lower or undetectable levels of lead in a daily dose.
Listed alphabetically by name, here, are the products that passed ConsumerLab.com's independent testing of iron-containing products. Also included in the table is the type and amount of elemental iron per pill. Because many of the products may have been designed for use in treating iron deficiency, which requires high doses of iron, it is important to note the amounts of iron in some of the products exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron. Some also exceed the established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iron. However, under a doctor's supervision, it is acceptable to exceed these limits because the potential consequences of untreated iron deficiency may be more severe than the potential side effects of high iron intake
In May and June 2001, ConsumerLab.com purchased 19 iron supplements, several of which also listed ingredients including vitamin C, folic acid and other B vitamins, various herbs, and/or calcium. These products were tested for their amount of iron, their ability to disintegrate properly - a major factor for the iron to be absorbed by the body, and their levels of lead.
Out of the nineteen products tested, 17 passed all criteria. Among the two that did not pass, one product - a store-brand supplement from a major pharmacy chain - had only 73% of its claimed 27 mg of iron per capsule. The other product did not pass because it contained lead at a level in excess of 0.5 micrograms per daily serving - the maximum allowed under the state of California's strict Proposition 65 law. This product, from a national manufacturer, contained additional vitamins and herbs and was specifically marketed for use by women. Most lead poisoning results from multiple exposures over time and while the level found in this supplement does not represent an immediate threat in itself, it unnecessarily contributes to daily lead exposure. The other iron products tested contained far lower or undetectable levels of lead in a daily dose.
Listed alphabetically by name, here, are the products that passed ConsumerLab.com's independent testing of iron-containing products. Also included in the table is the type and amount of elemental iron per pill. Because many of the products may have been designed for use in treating iron deficiency, which requires high doses of iron, it is important to note the amounts of iron in some of the products exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron. Some also exceed the established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iron. However, under a doctor's supervision, it is acceptable to exceed these limits because the potential consequences of untreated iron deficiency may be more severe than the potential side effects of high iron intake