Sports Research® Blood Balance Iron Supplement - 36 MG Iron + Folate & Vitamin C for Absorption - Red Blood Cell Support for Women & Men* - Vegan Certified · Non-GMO · Gluten-Free - 90 Capsules

Clinical trials typically use RDA Iron: 8mg (men) / 18mg (premenopausal women) / 27mg (pregnant); therapeutic iron: 100–200mg/day (medical supervision); 36mg covers the women's RDA with a buffer. Sports Research Blood Balance Iron Supplement with Folate, B12 & Vitamin C delivers 36mg Iron per capsule with synergistic B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C; 1 capsule daily, which we classify as Full relative to that range.

See the "Also consider" section below for two alternatives. Choose based on form preference (Capsule vs alternatives), dose adequacy, and third-party testing.

Yes — Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, cGMP (USA). Third-party testing verifies ingredient identity and label accuracy.

Yes — Amazon Subscribe & Save is available for this product. Enrolling locks in a recurring delivery at a reduced per-unit price.

Iron can significantly reduce absorption of thyroid medications (levothyroxine), quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), and tetracyclines — separate iron supplementation from these medications by at least 2 hours. Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers reduce iron absorption by raising stomach pH. Consult your doctor if you take any of these medication classes before adding an iron supplement.

Iron supplementation at 36mg/day is generally well tolerated for individuals with documented deficiency. Long-term use in individuals with normal iron stores carries risk of iron overload (hemochromatosis) with associated organ stress — periodic blood ferritin monitoring (every 6–12 months) is recommended for long-term iron supplementation. B12 and Folate are water-soluble and have excellent long-term safety profiles.

Iron supplementation is one of the most common causes of GI side effects — nausea, constipation, dark stools, and stomach cramping are reported by a significant minority of users. Taking with food reduces GI upset but also slightly reduces iron absorption. Starting with the capsule taken mid-meal (not fasted) is often the best compromise for tolerability.

The Vitamin C already included in this formula handles iron absorption enhancement — no need to add additional Vitamin C. Avoid taking alongside calcium supplements or magnesium, which compete with iron for absorption. Coffee, tea, and dairy consumed within 1 hour of iron supplementation can also reduce absorption significantly.

Take one capsule daily; consult a physician before use if you are male, post-menopausal, or do not have confirmed iron deficiency — excess iron supplementation in healthy individuals is not recommended. Women of reproductive age and athletes with documented low ferritin are the primary target populations. Keep out of reach of children — iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in children under 6.

Laboratory markers of iron status (serum ferritin, hemoglobin) typically improve within 4–8 weeks of daily iron supplementation at adequate doses. Symptomatic improvements in energy, reduced fatigue, and exercise tolerance often trail lab improvements by 2–4 weeks. Full iron store replenishment in deficiency states typically requires 3–6 months of consistent supplementation.