Iron Bisglycinate
Thorne
Iron Bisglycinate
Iron 25 mg
Score 88.0
A premium iron bisglycinate supplement from Thorne, known for its high bioavailability, gentleness, and quality, making it a reliable choice.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Hair Health
Nail Health
Energy
Score 88.0
A premium iron bisglycinate supplement from Thorne, known for its high bioavailability, gentleness, and quality, making it a reliable choice.
Analysis
Thorne's Iron Bisglycinate is expected to be a high-quality iron supplement, leveraging a highly absorbable and gentle form of iron, likely Albion TRAACS Ferrochel, consistent with Thorne's brand standards. This form is widely preferred for its excellent bioavailability and minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Although the elemental iron quantity was not explicitly provided in the input, Thorne typically offers effective dosages (commonly 25mg). The product benefits greatly from Thorne's strong reputation for purity, rigorous testing, and overall quality, justifying its moderate price per serving.
Pros
- Uses Iron Bisglycinate, a highly bioavailable and gentle form, minimizing GI side effects.
- Produced by Thorne, a brand renowned for its strict quality control, purity, and scientific backing.
- Good price per serving for a premium-quality supplement from a respected brand.
- High review count suggests widespread user satisfaction and trust in the brand.
Cons
- The exact elemental iron quantity is not specified in the provided data, making precise dosage assessment difficult.
- Does not explicitly state inclusion of absorption-enhancing co-factors like Vitamin C on the provided ingredient list.
$12.01($0.20 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 12.01 | |
 Walmart | $ 15.00 | |
 Vitacost | $ 15.00 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 15.00 | |
 Amazon | $ 15.00 |
Effectiveness for goals
Iron supplements are highly effective in treating iron deficiency anemia by replenishing the body's iron stores and increasing hemoglobin levels. Consistent use can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Improvement is typically observed over several weeks to months.
For individuals with iron deficiency, particularly those with anemia, iron supplementation can significantly improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. This is because iron is crucial for oxygen transport throughout the body. If fatigue is not due to iron deficiency, supplements may not have this effect.
Iron supplements are generally very effective at increasing iron levels in individuals diagnosed with iron deficiency. They work by providing the body with the necessary iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Consistent supplementation under professional guidance can help restore iron stores over time.
While some individuals may notice symptom improvement, like reduced fatigue, within a few weeks, it usually takes several months of consistent supplementation to fully restore iron stores. Hemoglobin levels often begin to rise within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is key for full effectiveness.
For individuals experiencing fatigue due to iron deficiency anemia, iron supplementation can be effective in alleviating this symptom. As iron levels rise and red blood cell production improves, energy levels may increase. However, if fatigue is not caused by iron deficiency, supplements may not provide a benefit.
Dosage, timing & forms
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron varies by age and gender. For adult men and postmenopausal women, it is typically 8 mg per day, while for premenopausal women, it is 18 mg per day due to menstrual blood loss. Pregnant women have an even higher RDA, often around 27 mg per day.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for elemental iron varies by age and sex. For adult men and postmenopausal women, the RDA is 8 mg per day, while for premenopausal women, it is 18 mg per day. These are general guidelines for dietary intake, and supplement dosages should consider individual needs and total daily intake.
Yes, there is a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for iron, which is 45 mg per day for adults from supplements and food combined. Exceeding this limit regularly can lead to gastrointestinal distress, and very high doses can be toxic, particularly in children. Iron overload can cause serious organ damage over time.
Yes, iron supplements can interact with various medications and other supplements. For example, iron can reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones, certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and quinolones), and levodopa. It's advisable to take iron supplements at least 2 hours apart from these and to consult a healthcare professional.
Iron supplements are generally best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, about one hour before or two hours after meals. However, taking it with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or constipation. If taken with food, it's beneficial to include a source of vitamin C.
Safety & interactions
Yes, iron supplements can be highly dangerous and even fatal to young children if ingested in large quantities. Iron poisoning is a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children under six. Iron supplements should always be stored out of reach of children in child-resistant containers.
Common side effects of iron supplements include constipation, nausea, stomach upset, and dark stools. Taking iron with food or adjusting the dose can sometimes help manage these symptoms. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if side effects are severe or persistent.
Common side effects of iron supplements include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dark-colored stools. Taking iron with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset for some individuals. These effects are usually mild and may resolve as the body adjusts.
Yes, taking too much iron can be toxic, especially for children. Acute iron overdose can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, and chronic excess iron can lead to organ damage in conditions like hemochromatosis. It is important to only take iron under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of iron can be harmful and potentially toxic, especially in cases of acute overdose. Symptoms of iron toxicity can include severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, organ damage. Individuals with certain genetic conditions like hemochromatosis are at higher risk for iron overload.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Ferrochel | 25 mg |
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overviewCategories
Iron 92.0
Thorne's Iron Bisglycinate stands out in the iron collection due to its use of a superior, highly absorbable, and gentle iron form from a trusted brand. This minimizes common side effects associated with iron, making it an excellent choice for effective iron repletion for consumers prioritizing quality.
Goals
Energy 90.0
Iron Bisglycinate is a superior form for absorption, ensuring efficient delivery of iron to support hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. This direct impact on cellular energy is crucial for combating fatigue and effectively boosting overall energy levels.
Productivity Boost 89.0
By optimizing iron levels, this supplement helps prevent iron-deficiency related fatigue and brain fog, enhancing mental clarity and focus. The well-tolerated nature of bisglycinate means users are less likely to experience digestive upset that could disrupt productivity.
Hair Health 89.0
Given iron's critical role in cell growth and replication, including hair follicle health, supplementing with a highly absorbable form like Iron Bisglycinate can be very effective in addressing hair thinning or loss linked to iron deficiency. It supports the metabolic needs of healthy hair.
Recommended Alternatives
85 Value 
Iron 18 mg
NOW
Offers a highly absorbable Ferrochel form at an extremely low price per serving, providing exceptional value for a maintenance dose of a gentle iron.
80 Value 
Iron Citrate 25 mg
Swanson
Presents a well-tolerated iron citrate form at a very affordable price point, offering a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness for general iron support.
75 Value 
Slow Release Iron
21st Century
While utilizing ferrous sulfate, its slow-release design aims to minimize gastrointestinal upset, delivering a budget-friendly and relatively well-tolerated option for basic iron needs, offering better value for sensitive stomachs.
95 Performance 
Basic Prenatal
Thorne
Offers a higher dose of Ferrochel from the same trusted brand, coupled with additional nutrients for a more comprehensive approach to health and iron support, particularly for specific needs.
92 Performance 
Iron 40 mg
NaturesPlus
Provides a significantly higher 40mg dose of a highly absorbable amino acid chelate, making it a more potent option for individuals with greater iron repletion needs.
88 Performance 
Albion Chelated Ferrochel Iron 18 mg
Swanson Ultra
While scoring similarly, this alternative offers the exact same high-quality Ferrochel form at a very different, much lower 18mg dosage and significantly lower price, making it 'better' for those seeking a highly absorbable micro-dose or maintenance option.
90 Budget 
Vegan Chelated Iron 29 mg
DEVA
Offers a higher-scoring chelated iron form at a significantly lower price per serving, providing superior value and efficacy for less cost.
90 Budget 
Easy Iron 25 mg
Country Life
Provides a similar high-quality Ferrochel form at a significantly lower price per serving, offering comparable quality with better affordability.
92 Budget 
Iron 50 mg
Solaray
Delivers a much higher 50mg dose of an excellent chelated iron for a lower price per serving, offering greater potency and superior value.
85 Value
Iron 18 mg
NOW
Offers a highly absorbable Ferrochel form at an extremely low price per serving, providing exceptional value for a maintenance dose of a gentle iron.
80 Value
Iron Citrate 25 mg
Swanson
Presents a well-tolerated iron citrate form at a very affordable price point, offering a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness for general iron support.
75 Value
Slow Release Iron
21st Century
While utilizing ferrous sulfate, its slow-release design aims to minimize gastrointestinal upset, delivering a budget-friendly and relatively well-tolerated option for basic iron needs, offering better value for sensitive stomachs.
95 Performance
Basic Prenatal
Thorne
Offers a higher dose of Ferrochel from the same trusted brand, coupled with additional nutrients for a more comprehensive approach to health and iron support, particularly for specific needs.
92 Performance
Iron 40 mg
NaturesPlus
Provides a significantly higher 40mg dose of a highly absorbable amino acid chelate, making it a more potent option for individuals with greater iron repletion needs.
88 Performance
Albion Chelated Ferrochel Iron 18 mg
Swanson Ultra
While scoring similarly, this alternative offers the exact same high-quality Ferrochel form at a very different, much lower 18mg dosage and significantly lower price, making it 'better' for those seeking a highly absorbable micro-dose or maintenance option.