According to a new report from ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, the cost to get an equivalent dose of iron from supplements varies by more than 100-fold. “A 25 mg dose of iron can cost as little as $.02 or more than $2, depending on the product,” the company said.
 
In addition to the cost analysis, ConsumerLab.com conducted laboratory tests and label reviews on iron supplements. In contrast to ConsumerLab.com’s 2008 report on iron supplements—in which 20% of selected supplements failed to meet quality standards—all products in the current review contained their listed amounts of iron and did not exceed contamination limits for lead. However, one product violated FDA labeling requirements by displaying a heart symbol on its label, representing an unapproved health claim.
 
Iron is required to prevent and treat anemia. Iron deficiency is most common in menstruating women but also is commonly seen in children, pregnant women, and among people taking drugs that reduce stomach acid. Even mild iron deficiency may cause fatigue and impair learning, memory, and sports performance. Individual needs for supplemental iron vary and different forms may be better tolerated than others. According to Nutrition Business Journal, sales of iron supplements in the U.S. have grown steadily and reached $302 million in 2009, up 10% from the prior year.
 
“It is great that all of the iron supplements in this review were found to be of high quality, but people using iron supplements must choose carefully to be sure they are getting the right form, the right dose, and are not spending more money than necessary,” said Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com. 
 
The report includes results for 16 products made with a variety of forms of iron, including carbonyl iron, ferrous bisglycinate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulfate, as well as heme iron polypeptide, iron protein succinylate, polysaccharide iron complex, and plant-based iron. Dosage forms include: regular capsule, vegan capsule, liquid, time-release tablet, and plain tablet. Six of the products listed were tested at the request of their manufacturers or distributors through ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. An additional product is listed in the report that is similar to one that passed testing but sold under a different brand name. The report provides extensive information on how and when to use iron supplements and differences among the forms of iron.