There are people who know full well that they need iron. They’ve had blood tests, spoken to their doctor and bought supplements. And yet they’ve stopped taking them. Not because the iron didn’t work, but because they couldn’t cope with the stomach upset, constipation or nausea that came as standard with the capsules.
If this sounds familiar, the problem was probably not the iron itself, but the form it came in. And that makes quite a difference when it comes to choosing.
The iron that half of us give up on
Traditional forms of iron in supplements, such as ferrous sulphate or fumarate, are affordable and effective, but they have a well-known history of digestive side effects. Nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort. It’s one of the most common reasons why people stop taking iron supplements before finishing the bottle.
The underlying problem is that these iron salts can irritate the gastrointestinal lining when they aren’t absorbed properly. And some of that unabsorbed iron remains in the gut, where it causes precisely that discomfort.
Tolerance is no minor issue. If you can’t stick to the regimen, the supplement is of no use. And four months of continuous supplementation require a formulation that your stomach can tolerate.
What changes with chelated iron
Ferrous bisglycinate is a form of chelated iron, which means that the iron is bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This structure protects the iron as it passes through the digestive system and helps the body absorb it more efficiently.
The practical benefit is twofold. On the one hand, more iron reaches its intended destination, which supports the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. On the other hand, less unabsorbed iron remains in the gut, resulting in significantly better digestive tolerance than with conventional ferrous salts.
For anyone who has had previous bad experiences with iron, this fact matters more than any other.
Iron complex: ferrous bisglycinate with active vitamins
Nutribiolite’s Iron Complex is based on ferrous bisglycinate and includes vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption, plus vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), vitamin B2 as riboflavin, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin and folate as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF). All the B vitamins are present in their bioactive forms, ready to be utilised directly by the body.
The formula contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, supports normal energy metabolism, and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. It’s not just iron. It’s a formula designed so that each nutrient enhances the next.
One capsule a day for up to four months. No colourings, no added sugars, no unnecessary synthetic additives. Suitable for vegans.
Highly absorbable iron bisglycinate with vitamin C and active B vitamins, in a single daily capsule that is gentle on the digestive system.
Frequently asked questions before buying
I’ve taken iron before and it made me constipated. Does the same thing happen with bisglycinate?
This is the most common concern, and there’s a clear answer. Ferrous bisglycinate is characterised by its good digestive tolerance, precisely because its chelated structure helps the iron to be absorbed before it can irritate the gut. It’s not a guarantee for everyone, but the digestive experience with this form of iron is usually significantly better than with ferrous sulphate or fumarate. If you’ve stopped taking iron before for this reason, it’s worth trying a different form.
Why is vitamin C included alongside iron?
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. It is not merely an added extra. By including it in the same capsule, the body can make better use of ferrous bisglycinate, which is already highly absorbable. Furthermore, vitamin C contributes to normal energy metabolism and the normal functioning of the immune system. This combination is no coincidence; it is designed to ensure the iron reaches where it needs to go.
What does it mean that the folate is L-5-MTHF, and why does it matter?
L-5-MTHF is the active form of folate, which the body can use directly without needing to convert it. This is particularly important for people whose metabolism may have difficulty processing conventional folic acid. In the Iron Complex, folate in this form contributes to normal blood formation and the process of cell division, and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Women planning a pregnancy should consult their doctor or midwife to see if this product fits into their supplementation plan.
How long do you need to take the Iron Complex before you notice any effects?
Each bottle contains 120 capsules, which is equivalent to up to four months of continuous supplementation when taking one capsule a day. Dietary supplements need time to take effect when taken regularly. The convenience of a single daily capsule makes it easy to maintain this consistency without having to think too much about it.
Is it suitable for a diet free from animal products?
Yes, Nutribiolite’s Iron Complex is suitable for vegans. The capsule is plant-based, the excipients are of plant origin (cassava starch and L-leucine) and it contains no ingredients of animal origin. Furthermore, the iron in the form of ferrous bisglycinate is particularly beneficial for those on a plant-based diet, as non-haem iron from food is absorbed less easily than that from animal sources.
This content is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are taking medication, have a diagnosed health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
