3 minIf you need extra iron and want to take an iron supplement, it can sometimes be difficult to make a choice. There is a huge range available and we can well imagine that you sometimes can't see the wood for the trees.
That's why we want to give you a helping hand with this blog! We will give you more information about the difference between iron drops and tablets.
In this article, you will read
- The differences between iron drops and iron tablets.
- Why drops are absorbed more quickly and are convenient to use.
- How drops are produced without artificial additives.
- The role of iron in the body and how a deficiency causes symptoms.
- Tips for improving iron absorption from food with vitamin C.
Iron supplements: iron tablets versus iron drops
The first difference between liquid supplements and supplements in pill form is how they are absorbed by the body. Iron drops have an advantage over tablets in this respect. They are absorbed directly through the oral mucosa and do not need to be broken down in the stomach (Lo et al., 2022).
A second advantage of drops is that they are easy to use. Another important difference is that no artificial additives are used in the production process of drops.
Faster absorption with drops
Liquid supplements are absorbed immediately. This is because saliva and other glands in the mouth are able to absorb the substances directly. If you take a tablet, it must first reach the stomach and intestines before the body can absorb the substances.
If you use antacids, this can reduce the absorption of nutrients in the stomach. In addition, inflammation of the intestine (due to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) leads to reduced absorption of nutrients, which also reduces the absorption of supplements. In that case, vitamin drops offer the solution!
Drops do not contain additives
The second major difference is that cold-pressed drops do not require additives such as glazing agents or anti-caking agents. These artificial substances are often used in the production process for tablets.
Drops are easier to use
In addition to being absorbed more quickly, liquid supplements are also easier to take. Drops are particularly useful for small children: you can give them straight from a spoon, or mix them into formula, fruit juice or yoghurt.
The role of iron
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, among other things. Iron is a mineral that you get in small amounts from food and that contributes to the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin. But what exactly do red blood cells and haemoglobin do, you may wonder.
Haemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood to all tissues in the body. And red blood cells consist of one third haemoglobin. A lack of oxygen also explains why you may feel tired if you do not get enough iron. Other symptoms that indicate you are not getting enough iron are:
- Anaemia;
- shortness of breath;
- pale skin;
- dizziness;
- palpitations after exercise;
- reduced ability to concentrate;
- restless legs;
- poor appetite.
Young children (from 6 months), menstruating women and pregnant women are at greater risk of iron deficiency than others. This is due to the increased need for iron during both growth and blood loss.
Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk, because we get a large part of our iron (haem iron) from meat and fish. The other form of iron is non-haem iron, which is found in plant-based foods.
Iron absorption from food
To ensure that the iron from your food is better absorbed, take vitamin C in combination with iron. This is especially important with non-haem iron (Lynch & Cook, 1980; Hallberg, 1983).
So, for example, have an orange for dessert or include broccoli in your meal. Or take a high-quality iron supplement with extra vitamin C. This will not only improve your iron absorption, but also give your immune system an extra boost!
