Iron Capsules

Naturecan Iron Capsules deliver 18mg of Iron Bisglycinate per capsule in an HPMC vegan shell: 60 servings, one per day. Iron Bisglycinate is a chelated form that research suggests may be absorbed effectively and is generally well tolerated [3]. Straightforward, purposefully formulated, and easy to take daily. 

Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional shortfalls in the UK, with some studies suggesting prevalence of around one in four in certain groups of women of reproductive age [1]. Yet most people with suboptimal iron status don’t realise it, and many who do try to supplement stop within weeks because standard iron forms are harsh on the gut. This is a straightforward iron supplement, transparently formulated, with a research-aligned dose designed for consistent daily use.

Key Benefits:

● 18mg Iron Bisglycinate per capsule: 128% NRV. 60 capsules per pouch, one per day

● Chelated for better absorption: iron bound to two glycine amino acids for efficient uptake and gentler digestion than standard iron salts

● Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue: EFSA-authorised health claim

● Vegan-friendly: HPMC capsule shell, produced without animal-derived ingredients

● Transparently labelled: full ingredients list on every pack. No proprietary blends, no hidden doses. Suitable for vegans.

● Well tolerated: Iron Bisglycinate is a chelated form associated with good gastrointestinal tolerability in research. [3]

Disclaimer: These benefits are obtained with a daily intake of 18mg of elemental iron as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Individuals who are pregnant, managing a health condition, or taking medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. 

What Is Iron Bisglycinate?

Not all iron supplements are equal. The most widely available form, ferrous sulphate, is inexpensive and commonly prescribed, but it is also associated with high rates of GI side effects including nausea, constipation, and stomach cramps. Research suggests that approximately 20–30% of people taking standard iron tablets discontinue supplementation because of these effects [2].

Iron Bisglycinate is a chelated form: iron bound to two glycine amino acids. This structure allows the iron to be absorbed via amino acid transport pathways, which are gentler on the gut lining than the ionic absorption route used by ferrous sulphate. Studies indicate that Iron Bisglycinate offers comparable absorption to ferrous sulphate at equivalent doses, with better gastrointestinal tolerability reported in research [3].

Naturecan selected Iron Bisglycinate for exactly this reason. It is not the cheapest ingredient available, but it is the right one. Better absorption, fewer reasons to stop.

What Does Iron Do?

Iron is an essential mineral that the body cannot produce on its own. It must be obtained from diet or supplementation. Iron plays several key physiological roles [4]:

• Contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body

• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue - an EFSA-authorised health claim supported by the evidence base underpinning EU and UK nutrition regulation.

• Contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin

• Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism 

• Contributes to normal cognitive function

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system

Who May Benefit from an Iron Supplement?

Those who may have increased iron requirements, or who may find dietary intake alone insufficient, include:

• Iron tablets for women of menstruating age are among the most common uses: menstrual blood loss is a leading cause of suboptimal iron status, and iron requirements in this group are significantly higher than in men [1, 5]

• Those following plant-based diets: non-haem iron from plant foods is less readily absorbed than haem iron from meat; vegans and vegetarians may benefit from a supplemental source [5]

• People experiencing persistent fatigue with a dietary iron intake that may be insufficient for their needs.

• Those with restricted dietary intake or increased physiological demand

This is not an exhaustive list, and iron requirements vary by individual. Anyone considering supplementation, particularly those who are pregnant, managing a health condition, or taking medication, is encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before starting.

For broader context on women's nutritional needs, see our guides: Best Supplements for Women Over 40 and What Is Perimenopause?.

Iron and Vitamin C: Why should I take both together?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most consistently documented enhancers of non-haem iron absorption. Research demonstrates that consuming Vitamin C alongside iron can increase the amount absorbed in the small intestine, with the effect observed across a range of doses and iron forms [6].

The mechanism works in two ways. Ascorbic acid reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), the form the body absorbs more readily through the intestinal wall. It also forms a chelate with iron that helps keep it soluble at the higher pH levels found further along the digestive tract, supporting more consistent uptake throughout the absorption process.

This pairing is particularly relevant for those obtaining most of their dietary iron from plant-based sources, where all iron is in the non-haem form. For supplement users more broadly, taking iron with Vitamin C at the same time is a low-effort step that may meaningfully improve the efficiency of each dose.

Naturecan Vitamin C Capsules are designed to complement this product as part of a considered daily routine. Both are taken once daily and can be taken together, with no additional timing complexity required.

Naturecan Iron Supplement: Product Details

Each capsule delivers 18mg of elemental iron as Iron Bisglycinate, equivalent to 128% of the EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). This dose is intentional. Research on iron repletion suggests that 18mg is an effective and well-tolerated daily amount for most adults, and that higher doses do not necessarily improve outcomes, as excess iron is not efficiently excreted [2, 3]. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of children.

Iron Bisglycinate vs. Ferrous Sulphate: Why Form Matters

The form of iron in a supplement determines how well it is absorbed and how likely you are to keep taking it. This distinction matters more than it might appear.

For those who have previously tried iron tablets and stopped because of side effects, Iron Bisglycinate is worth revisiting. The evidence suggests the tolerability difference is consistent across studies and worth considering when choosing an iron form [3].

Complete Your Routine

Iron works best as part of a considered daily routine. A few complementary products worth knowing about:

• Vitamin D3 & K2: Two nutrients commonly deficient in the UK, ideal for rounding out a daily supplement routine alongside iron.

• Ashwagandha: An adaptogen traditionally used to support energy and reduce fatigue - a natural pairing for those taking iron for vitality. 

• Vegan Multivitamin: Comprehensive daily nutrition covering vitamins and minerals that work alongside iron for overall health.

• Magnesium Bisglycinate: A complementary bisglycinate formulation, sharing the same chelated form philosophy.

• Women's Health Supplements: Browse the full range designed around women's nutritional needs.

Why Choose Naturecan Iron?

Iron Bisglycinate is not the default choice for iron supplements. When searching for the best iron tablets, form and tolerability matter more than price. Most iron supplements UK consumers encounter use ferrous sulphate by default because it is cheaper to manufacture. Naturecan uses Iron Bisglycinate because the evidence supports it as the more bioavailable and better-tolerated option, and because a supplement that is well tolerated is a supplement that actually gets taken.