From no-fuss capsules to super drinks – we test three iron-boosting supplements

Around 17 per cent of UK adults are deficient in iron, which can cause low energy, “brain fog” and dizziness. Depending on your age and sex, you need eight to 18mg of iron daily from foods such as red meat, lentils, fortified cereals and bread. Speak to your GP if you think you may be iron deficient. Once you have got the nod, here are some ways to help replenish your levels. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Pills Dr.Vegan Gentle Iron & Vitamin C has 80mg of Vitamin C from the tropical shrub acerola to aid absorption Credit: supplied DR.VEGAN Gentle Iron & Vitamin C contains 18mg of iron bisglycinate, which is a highly absorbable form of the mineral with fewer digestive side effects. It also has 80mg of Vitamin C from the tropical shrub acerola to aid absorption. With both nutrients in one capsule, you don’t need to remember to take a separate Vitamin C supplement. But you have to avoid drinking tea or coffee for 30 minutes before or after ingesting because they can hinder iron absorption. A great no-fuss combination. From £7.64 for 30 days, drvegan.com. Most read in Health Drink Lavita combines more than 70 natural ingredients including fruits, vegetables, herbs and plant oils Credit: supplied LAVITA is a micronutrient concentrate drink that was developed in 1999 by a former German national ice hockey captain who wanted to replace multiple supplements with one product. And Lavita has just gone on sale in the UK. It combines more than 70 natural ingredients including fruits, vegetables, herbs and plant oils. There is everything from papaya and grapes to sauerkraut and nettle plus added vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. There is 100 per cent of many vitamins here and 29 per cent of your iron in each serving. Kids aged over six can take this too. I love this. It tastes fruity but not sweet. It’s got a hefty price tag though, with a 500ml bottle costing £60. But it does have 50 servings. See lavita.com. Powder The Super Elixir from Elle Macpherson comes in five different flavours, including mixed berries and blood orange Credit: WelleCo THE SUPER Elixir from Elle Macpherson has become a cult wellness product. The main ingredient is barley grass, and there’s wheatgrass, kelp, spirulina and spinach which are all great sources of iron. But there are 40 ingredients in this, including food powders and fibres, which help energy production, your gut, cognitive health, immunity and healthy skin, hair and nails. This comes in five different flavours, including mixed berries and blood orange, but I tried the unflavoured one, which doesn’t mean it is tasteless. It has a green, earthy flavour, which I’ve actually grown to love. A teaspooon in a drink in the afternoon really did give me a lift and a bit of energy. From £45 for a month’s supply, welleco.co.uk. Comment now