Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function, but vegans and vegetarians face a unique challenge: plant-based (non-heme) iron is less readily absorbed than the heme iron found in animal products. The right vegan iron supplement bridges this gap with highly bioavailable iron forms, often paired with vitamin C to maximize absorption without causing the constipation and nausea common with cheap iron pills.
Quick Comparison
Product
Iron Dose
Form
Best For
Rating
Lunakai Vegan Iron Gummies
18mg + Vitamin C, B12, Folate
Gummies
Best Overall
4.5/5
Pink Stork Iron for Women
18mg Iron Bisglycinate
Capsules
Best Non-Constipating
4.5/5
NATURELO Vegan Iron
25mg + Whole Food Blend
Capsules
Best Whole Food Formula
4.6/5
PlantFusion Complete Iron
25mg Ferrochel
Capsules
Best Chelated Iron
4.5/5
Gentle Iron for Women
65mg Slow Release
Capsules
Best High-Dose
4.4/5
VegLife Vegan Iron
25mg + B12, Folic Acid
Tablets
Best Budget Pick
4.3/5
1. Lunakai Vegan Iron Gummies – Best Overall
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Lunakai USA Made Vegan Iron Gummies with Vitamin C, E, B12 & Folate – Daily Chewable Iron Supplement for Women, Men, Kids & Pregnancy, 60ct
Daily Iron Gummies for the Whole Family – Chewable iron supplement for women, men, kids, and teens, formulated to support healthy iron levels, oxygen transport and natural energy throughout the day.
Gentle Iron for Sensitive Stomachs – Features a well-absorbed, non-constipating form of iron that’s easier to digest than traditional iron pills or capsules. Great for those with low iron sensitivity.
Complete Iron & Vitamin Blend – With Vitamin C for enhanced iron absorption, B12 for focus and vitality and Vitamin E for antioxidant support. Ideal for everyday wellness and energy.
Teen, Pregnancy & Nursing Support – A safe iron and B12 supplement for teenage girls, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms, designed for evolving nutritional needs across life stages.
Flavorful & Easy to Take – Delicious berry-flavored vegan iron gummies with no synthetic dyes or gelatin. Great-tasting and mess-free, perfect for both kids and adults.
Lunakai’s Vegan Iron Gummies combine 18mg of plant-based iron with vitamin C, vitamin E, B12, and folate in a delicious chewable format specifically designed for vegan and vegetarian needs.
This USA-made formula addresses the most common nutritional gaps in a plant-based diet in a single supplement. The inclusion of vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption, while B12 and folate support healthy red blood cell formation — nutrients vegans are frequently deficient in. The gummy format is easy on the stomach, making it a good choice for those who experience GI distress with traditional iron pills. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
Pros:
Comprehensive vegan formula with iron, C, E, B12, and folate
Chewable gummy format is easy on the stomach
USA-made in GMP-certified facility
Cons:
Contains added sugars common to gummy supplements
18mg iron may not be sufficient for those with severe deficiency
Best for: Vegans who want an all-in-one iron supplement that also covers B12 and folate gaps
2. Pink Stork Iron for Women – Best Non-Constipating
Pink Stork Iron for Women – 18 mg Non-Constipating Iron Bisglycinate + Vitamin C for Optimal Absorption – Energy, Focus, & Oxygen Supply – PMS, Pregnancy, Postpartum & Perimenopause – 60 Capsules
Iron for Every Stage of Womanhood: From monthly cycles to menopause, women have unique iron needs, yet nearly 40% of women are deficient, leading to low energy, fatigue, lack of focus or concentration, weakness, and cold limbs. Pink Stork Iron with Vitamin C provides 18 mg of gentle Iron Bisglycinate to help maintain healthy iron levels through every stage of life.
Why Iron Matters: Women’s iron needs change throughout life. Monthly cycles can deplete iron stores and leave you feeling tired or run-down. During pregnancy, your body needs nearly twice as much iron to support healthy blood volume and oxygen transport. After childbirth, iron replenishment supports recovery and vitality. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause can cause heavier cycles, while menopause may impact iron metabolism — making balanced iron levels key for sustained energy, focus, and overall wellness.
Immune, Energy, + Cognitive Support: Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, helping transport oxygen throughout the body to support energy, cognitive function, and immune health. Our formula includes Vitamin C for optimal absorption — so your body gets the most from every capsule. We use Iron Bisglycinate, a chelated form known to be non-constipating and easy on digestion — ideal for women who’ve experienced discomfort with traditional iron supplements.
Expert-Backed + Clean Ingredients: Each vegan capsule provides 18 mg Iron Bisglycinate and 50 mg Vitamin C from Acerola Fruit Extract — with no GMOs, gluten, dairy, soy, or artificial ingredients. Just clean, effective nutrition for women’s wellness. Third-party tested for purity and potency in cGMP facilities.
Women-Owned, Women-Focused: Pink Stork is proudly women-owned and run — offering vitamins, supplements, and wellness support designed to help women thrive through every phase of life: PMS, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond. Created by Pink Stork—trusted by thousands of women seeking natural, effective solutions.
Pink Stork uses iron bisglycinate, one of the most gentle and bioavailable forms of iron, paired with vitamin C for optimal absorption without the digestive side effects of traditional iron supplements.
Each capsule delivers 18mg of iron as bisglycinate chelate, a form that clinical research shows is nearly twice as bioavailable as ferrous sulfate while causing significantly less constipation and nausea. Vitamin C is included to further enhance absorption. The clean formula is free from artificial colors, flavors, and common allergens. While marketed for women, this supplement is suitable for any vegan or vegetarian seeking a gentle, effective iron supplement.
Pros:
Iron bisglycinate is one of the most stomach-friendly forms available
Vitamin C included for enhanced absorption
Clean, allergen-free formula
Cons:
18mg dose may require multiple capsules for higher iron needs
Marketed specifically to women, though suitable for all adults
Best for: Anyone who has experienced constipation or stomach upset from other iron supplements
3. NATURELO Vegan Iron – Best Whole Food Formula
NATURELO Vegan Iron Supplement with Vitamin C and Organic Whole Foods – Gentle Iron Pills for Women & Men with Iron Deficiency Including Pregnancy, Anemia and Vegan Diets – 90 Mini Capsules
GENTLE VEGAN IRON SUPPLEMENT: 25 mg of Iron with Vitamin C from Organic Acerola Cherries and Iron-Rich Whole Food Blend including Organic Beet, Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, and Pumpkin Seed. Increase energy and decrease fatigue without nausea or constipation.
ADVANCED BIOAVAILABILITY FOR BETTER ABSORPTION: Our Iron is formulated as Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate which has nearly 2x more bioavailability than other forms of Iron such as ferrous sulfate, gluconate or fumarate. The addition of Vitamin C further enhances the absorption of our Iron, so you can get better results.
DOCTOR RECOMMENDED IRON LEVELS: Perfect way to supplement your diet with Iron for healthy red blood cell functions. Designed for individuals with common iron deficiencies such as pregnant women, menstruating girls, vegans and vegetarians, dialysis patients, frequent blood donors, and anemic men or women.
PREMIUM QUALITY & SAFETY: Unlike cheaper brands this product is Made in a GMP-Certified facility with Premium Ingredients that are Non-GMO, Natural, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan & Vegetarian, and contain NO Coloring, Flavoring, or Preservatives.
FROM NATURE WITH LOVE: We believe nutrition should come from nature – not a laboratory. We formulate our supplements using only the cleanest, most bioavailable ingredients whenever possible to harness the power of plants for whole food nutrition.
NATURELO delivers 25mg of iron bisglycinate chelate alongside vitamin C from organic acerola cherries and an iron-rich whole food blend of beets, spinach, kale, and pumpkin seeds.
This formula stands out by combining chelated iron with actual iron-rich whole foods, creating a supplement that more closely mirrors how your body absorbs iron from a nutrient-dense diet. The 25mg dose provides 139% of the daily value, making it effective for addressing low iron stores. The mini capsules are easy to swallow, and the formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and free from coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. Made in a GMP-certified facility.
Pros:
Whole food blend enhances natural iron absorption
Vitamin C from organic acerola cherries (not synthetic ascorbic acid)
Mini capsule size is easy to swallow
Cons:
90-count bottle at one daily is a 3-month supply but costs more than basic iron pills
Not third-party tested by an independent lab
Best for: Vegans who prefer whole-food-based supplements over isolated synthetic vitamins
4. PlantFusion Complete Iron – Best Chelated Iron
PlantFusion Vegan Iron Supplements from, Premium Plant Based Iron Supplements for Women and Men (25mg), Plus Folate & B12, 90 Veggie Capsules
NATURAL IRON SUPPLEMENTS: We start with a scientifically validated and patented source of natural iron concentrated to 25mg per serving. We then add plant based folate and vitamin B12 which helps to support healthy hemoglobin levels needed to transport oxygen in the blood, as well as, support for hair and nail growth. This is our ultimate blood building Fusion!
SOURCE MATTERS MOST: This ultra premium vegan iron supplement is made from a unique patented ingredient called Ferrochel. Ferrochel chelated iron (ferrous bisglycinate) is better absorbed than most other iron supplements. This allows you to take a smaller dose than you would with cheaper synthetic iron pills. It’s also easier on the stomach, reducing the chance of constipation and nausea.
IRON PILLS FOR ANEMIA: Iron supplements are often taken to help with iron deficiency and/or anemia. They are popular among vegans and vegetarians or women who are pregnant or experience heavy menstrual cycles. Our unique iron formula provides 139% of the Recommended Dietary Intake in one small veggie capsule for convenience.
CLEAN BLOOD SUPPORT FORMULA: We only use minerals that are tested for heavy metals, vegan certified, non-GMO verified, dairy free, gluten free, soy free and that contain no artificial ingredients or chemicals.
THE PLANT BASED EXPERTS: PlantFusion was one of the pioneers of plant based supplements over a decade ago. All products are produced under cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and adhering to US FDA guidelines. All ingredients and finished goods are subjected to rigorous 3RD party analytical testing.
PlantFusion uses Ferrochel, a patented form of iron bisglycinate that’s clinically shown to be more absorbable than standard iron forms, along with folate and B12 for complete blood-building support.
Ferrochel (ferrous bisglycinate) is the gold standard in chelated iron — it’s better absorbed than ferrous sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate, and significantly less likely to cause constipation or nausea. At 25mg per capsule, PlantFusion provides 139% of the daily value. The addition of plant-based folate and B12 makes this a true blood-building formula. Produced under cGMP guidelines with rigorous third-party testing. Vegan certified, non-GMO verified, and free from all major allergens.
Pros:
Patented Ferrochel iron with superior absorption data
Includes folate and B12 for complete blood support
Third-party tested and vegan certified
Cons:
No vitamin C included — may want to take with citrus juice
Higher price point than generic iron supplements
Best for: Those who want the most well-absorbed form of chelated iron backed by clinical data
5. Gentle Iron for Women (Slow Release) – Best High-Dose
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Gentle Iron Supplement for Women Anemia: Slow Release Iron Pills Clinically Shown to Support Iron for Prenatal Pregnant Patented SunActive Tech, with Folic Acid, B12, Vitamin C & B6, 18 mg, 20 Tablets
【Fast-Acting, Gentle Support】Based on a 90days clinical study, Gynable Iron Plus helped support healthy iron levels within 30 days—without causing constipation. This gentle iron supplement is ideal for those with low iron, helping reduce fatigue and support red blood cell health. Ideal iron supplements for women and men, especially those looking for non constipating iron supplements or iron pills
【Complete Blood Support】Iron alone isn’t enough—key B vitamins also play a vital role in red blood cell formation. Our gentle 18 mg iron includes bioactive folate, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6 for blood production, energy, and cellular health, along with 80mg of Vitamin C to support iron absorption and immune function. This makes it an ideal iron supplement for women to support energy and healthy blood levels
【Gentle & Stomach-Friendly】With patented slow-release technology, it delivers 12 hours of gradual absorption. Minimizes nausea and constipation with 8.8x better absorption than other women’s iron supplements. Please Consult your physician before use, as individual gastrointestinal tolerance may vary
【Precision Dosage Iron】 According to the NIH, women need 18mg of iron daily and 27mg during pregnancy. Because excess iron isn’t easily excreted, over-supplementation may lead to a buildup—potentially causing constipation, stomach cramps, liver damage, or hormonal imbalances. These iron tablets are perfect for long-term use
【Flexible & Convenient】 Take one small, easy-to-swallow pill daily—anytime. Best between meals for optimal absorption. Individually sealed to prevent oxidation, with no metallic aftertaste. No need to avoid dairy, tea, or caffeine, and no nutrient interactions. Iron supplementation shouldn’t be a struggle—choose a supplement designed for your life
This slow-release formula provides 65mg of iron in a sustained-release capsule designed to maintain absorption over several hours while minimizing the digestive discomfort associated with high-dose iron.
For vegans with clinically diagnosed iron deficiency or anemia, higher iron doses may be necessary to rebuild depleted stores. This slow-release capsule delivers iron gradually, which clinical evidence shows improves absorption efficiency and reduces GI side effects compared to immediate-release formulations at the same dose. The formula also includes vitamins C, D3, B6, B12, and folate for comprehensive blood health support. Suitable for vegans.
Pros:
Slow-release technology reduces stomach upset at high doses
65mg dose is clinically appropriate for treating diagnosed deficiency
Comprehensive supporting nutrient profile
Cons:
High dose should only be used under medical supervision
Slow-release capsules should not be crushed or chewed
Best for: Vegans with diagnosed iron deficiency who need a higher therapeutic dose
6. VegLife Vegan Iron – Best Budget Pick
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VegLife is one of the few brands exclusively dedicated to vegan supplements, offering 25mg of iron with vitamin C, folic acid, and B12 in a VegiBlend food base at an unbeatable price.
Every VegLife product is third-party vegan certified, providing peace of mind that no animal-derived ingredients are used. Each tablet includes 25mg of iron as ferrous fumarate alongside 20mg of vitamin C for absorption, plus folic acid and B12 — the key nutrients vegans most commonly lack. The VegiBlend food base of carrot, broccoli, and tomato concentrates adds trace nutrients. At well under $10 for a 100-count bottle, this is one of the most affordable vegan iron options available.
Pros:
Excellent value — typically under $10 for 100 tablets
Third-party vegan certified brand
Includes B12 and folic acid for complete vegan support
Cons:
Ferrous fumarate may cause more stomach upset than bisglycinate forms
Contains magnesium stearate
Best for: Budget-conscious vegans who want a certified vegan iron supplement with essential co-nutrients
7. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron – Best Premium Whole Food
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Garden of Life’s Raw Iron provides 22mg of gentle iron with vitamins C, B12, and folate, plus a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend with live probiotics for maximum nutrient absorption.
This formula takes the whole-food approach further than most competitors by including a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend alongside live probiotics and enzymes. The idea is to mimic how iron is absorbed from a nutrient-rich meal, with probiotics supporting gut health for improved mineral uptake. Certified vegan, non-GMO project verified, and gluten-free. Each capsule can be opened and mixed into water or juice for those who prefer not to swallow pills.
Pros:
Whole food blend with probiotics and enzymes for gut-friendly absorption
Capsules can be opened and mixed into liquid
Non-GMO project verified and certified vegan
Cons:
Only 30 capsules per bottle (one-month supply)
Premium price per serving
Best for: Health-conscious vegans willing to pay more for a premium whole-food iron with probiotics
8. Deva Nutrition Vegan Chelated Iron – Best Simple Formula
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DEVA Vegan Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement with Iron 2-Pack, Spirulina, Chlorella, Ashwagandha, Broccoli & More, 90 Coated Tablets Each
COMPREHENSIVE DAILY NUTRITION – Help your body meet its daily nutritional needs. This vegan multivitamin supplement delivers effective doses of vitamins and minerals that help fill gaps in your diet.
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF B VITAMINS – Deva multivitamin tablets with added superfoods and herbs provide your body with effective doses of B-complex vitamins, which are needed by the body for converting the food you eat into energy.
RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS – These vegan multivitamins for women and men are packed with Vitamins C and E.These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause premature aging.
TAILORED FOR VEGANS – This multivitamin supplement is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It does not contain any milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, or soy allergens.
100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION – If, for any reason, you’re unhappy with our vegan vitamins, let us know anytime so we can provide a full purchase refund or replacement–no questions asked.
Deva’s straightforward chelated iron provides 29mg per tablet with added B12, offering a no-nonsense vegan iron supplement from a brand dedicated exclusively to vegan nutrition.
Deva Nutrition specializes solely in vegan supplements, and their chelated iron is one of their flagship products. At 29mg per easy-to-swallow tablet, it provides a solid dose without going overboard. The chelated form is designed for improved absorption and reduced GI issues. The inclusion of B12 addresses the most common vegan nutrient deficiency. A 90-count bottle provides a three-month supply at an affordable price. Certified vegan and guaranteed for purity and freshness.
Pros:
Dedicated vegan brand with strong reputation in plant-based community
Chelated iron for improved absorption
Affordable 90-count, 3-month supply
Cons:
Does not include vitamin C for enhanced absorption
Tablet form may be harder to swallow for some
Best for: Vegans who want a trusted, dedicated vegan brand with a simple, effective iron formula
How to Choose the Best Vegan Iron Supplement
The form of iron matters significantly for absorption and side effects. Iron bisglycinate (chelated iron) is the gold standard — it’s roughly twice as bioavailable as ferrous sulfate and far less likely to cause constipation, nausea, or stomach cramps. Ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate fall in between. Patented forms like Ferrochel have the most clinical data supporting their absorption claims. Avoid ferrous sulfate if you have a sensitive stomach.
Vegans should look for iron supplements that also include vitamin C, B12, and folate. Vitamin C can increase non-heme iron absorption by up to 67% when taken together. B12 and folate are critical for red blood cell formation and are nutrients that vegans commonly lack. A supplement that covers all three gaps in one pill is more convenient and often more affordable than buying separate products.
Dosage depends on your iron status. For general maintenance, 18–25mg daily is typically sufficient. For diagnosed iron deficiency, higher doses of 45–65mg may be recommended under medical supervision. The Institute of Medicine suggests vegans may need up to 1.8 times more iron than omnivores because non-heme iron is less efficiently absorbed. Getting your ferritin levels tested before choosing a dose is the smartest approach.
Look for GMP-certified manufacturing, third-party testing, and vegan certification from organizations like Vegan Action or the Vegan Society. Avoid supplements with gelatin capsules, carmine coloring, or other hidden animal-derived ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do vegans need iron supplements?
Plant-based diets contain only non-heme iron, which is absorbed at roughly 2–20% efficiency compared to 15–35% for heme iron from animal sources. While many plant foods contain iron (lentils, spinach, tofu, fortified cereals), the lower absorption rate means vegans may struggle to maintain optimal iron stores, especially women of reproductive age, athletes, and frequent blood donors.
How much iron should a vegan take daily?
The RDA for iron is 8mg for adult men and 18mg for premenopausal women. However, the Institute of Medicine recommends that vegetarians and vegans aim for 1.8 times these amounts due to lower non-heme iron absorption — roughly 14mg for men and 32mg for women. Consult a healthcare provider and get your ferritin levels checked to determine the right dose for you.
When is the best time to take a vegan iron supplement?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, ideally 30–60 minutes before a meal or two hours after eating. Taking it with vitamin C (from a supplement or citrus juice) significantly improves absorption. Avoid taking iron at the same time as calcium supplements, coffee, tea, or high-fiber foods, as these can inhibit iron absorption by 50–60%.
Can iron supplements cause constipation?
Traditional iron forms like ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate are notorious for causing constipation, nausea, and dark stools. Chelated iron forms (iron bisglycinate, Ferrochel) and slow-release formulas are significantly gentler on the digestive system. If constipation is a concern, choose a bisglycinate-based product or a gummy form, which tends to cause fewer GI issues.
How long does it take for iron supplements to work?
Most people notice improved energy levels within 2–4 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, rebuilding depleted iron stores (measured by ferritin levels) typically takes 3–6 months. A healthcare provider can monitor your progress with periodic blood tests to determine when your stores are replenished.
Can I get too much iron from supplements?
Yes. The tolerable upper intake level for iron is 45mg per day for adults. Excessive iron intake can cause nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, organ damage. Do not take high-dose iron supplements (above 45mg) without medical supervision and regular blood work to monitor your levels. Iron supplements should always be stored out of reach of children, as iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in children under six.