BioStacksIron and pregnancy
Iron is a important nutrient for pregnancy support. Essential for oxygen transport via hemoglobin and energy production in mitochondria. Iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel) offers 2–4x higher bioavailability than ferrous sulfate with significantly less GI distress—it's the preferred supplemental form. Vitamin C taken alongside iron substantially boosts absorption.
What dose to look for
Clinical studies typically use 15–45 mg of iron. 15-25 mg for prevention/maintenance, 25-45 mg for deficiency treatment. RDA is 8 mg (men) / 18 mg (premenopausal women). Bisglycinate forms effective at lower doses due to 2-4× bioavailability. Supplements that fall short of this threshold are unlikely to match what clinical trials achieved.
What form to look for
Avoid ferrous sulfate — common gi side effects. Avoid ferrous fumarate — significant gi side effects. Avoid ferrous gluconate — low elemental iron (12%). For best results, choose iron bisglycinate (ferrochel).
What the research says
The clinical evidence for iron in pregnancy is strong. Essential for oxygen transport via hemoglobin; bisglycinate form has 2-4x better absorption than ferrous sulfate Learn more
Thorne
Basic Prenatal, 90 Capsules
ferrous bisglycinate · 45 mg
Solgar
Prenatal Nutrients
ferrous bisglycinate · 27 mg
NOW
Double Strength Iron 36 mg
ferrochel · 36 mg
Solgar
Chelated Iron
iron bisglycinate · 25 mg
Thorne
Iron Bisglycinate
ferrochel · 25 mg
Super Nutrition
Simply One, Prenatal Multivitamin with Super Greens, Spices, Vitamin A, and Folate, 90 Tablets
27 mg