Iron

Tiredness alone does not confirm iron deficiency. If symptoms persist, discuss the cause and appropriate blood tests, including assessment of iron stores, with a doctor. The highest number on the pack is not the best starting point: excess iron can be harmful. Keep supplements out of children's reach, as accidental ingestion can be particularly dangerous for them.

Compare the line labelled ‘iron’ for the same serving basis, rather than the total blend weight. Viridian Balanced Iron has 15 mg per capsule, Nordbo Järn & C has 20 mg per capsule, and Puravia Natural Iron + Organic Acerola has 14 mg in 2 capsules. Differences are not a reason to multiply capsule numbers yourself: each product has its own instructions, and suitability depends on your needs.

Not automatically: many formulas already contain it. Nordbo Järn & C and Viridian Balanced Iron each have 100 mg of vitamin C per capsule. Puhdistamo Triple Iron also contains lactoferrin from milk, so it is neither vegan nor suitable for a milk protein allergy. Read the full ingredients before adding another supplement, rather than relying on the main product name.

For both listed versions of Viridian Liquid Iron 200 ml, 20 ml provides 20 mg of iron, while 5 ml provides 5 mg. Measure the volume with a measuring device rather than estimating with a household teaspoon. Shake before use and refrigerate after opening. The use-after-opening period differs between the versions, so follow the label on your own bottle.

Take it with water, and avoid taking it at the same time as coffee, tea or a separate calcium supplement. Follow your product instructions: Nordbo Järn & C, for example, says to take it with food, so ‘always on an empty stomach’ is not a suitable universal rule. If you take medicines, ask a pharmacist about spacing them out; do not change prescribed treatment based on another supplement's instructions.