Active Iron - 30 Capsules

Is Active Iron the Right Iron Supplement for Women?

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional shortfalls in the UK, particularly among women of reproductive age. The NHS estimates that around one in ten women aged 16 to 64 may have low iron stores, often linked to menstruation, pregnancy, or a diet low in red meat and leafy greens. If you've been feeling persistently tired, breathless, or struggling to concentrate, your iron levels could be worth checking. Active Iron 30 Capsules offers a gentle, daily approach to restoring and maintaining healthy iron levels — and it's available without a prescription from our vitamins and supplements range.

Each pack contains 30 capsules, providing a full month's supply at one capsule per day. The formulation uses iron bisglycinate — a chelated form of iron — which is generally considered easier on the digestive system than traditional ferrous sulphate tablets. That matters, because gut discomfort is one of the main reasons people stop taking iron supplements before they've had a chance to work.

How Does Active Iron Work in the Body?

Iron is an essential mineral your body uses to produce haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to every tissue and organ. When iron stores fall too low, haemoglobin production drops, and you may start to feel the classic signs of iron deficiency: fatigue, pale skin, and difficulty concentrating. Active Iron works by replenishing those stores through daily oral supplementation.

• Iron bisglycinate is absorbed in the small intestine via amino acid transport pathways, which are less likely to cause irritation than the pathways used by inorganic iron salts.
• The chelated structure protects the iron molecule from binding to other compounds in the gut that would otherwise block absorption.
• Once absorbed, iron is transported in the blood bound to transferrin and stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow as ferritin.
• Over time, replenished iron stores support normal red blood cell production and help reduce symptoms of deficiency.

Who Should Consider Using Active Iron Capsules?

Active Iron is designed for adults who need to top up their iron intake — whether that's because blood tests have flagged low ferritin, or because lifestyle factors put them at higher risk of deficiency. It's particularly relevant for women, given the monthly iron losses associated with menstruation. That said, it's not a substitute for medical investigation if you have symptoms of anaemia — always speak to your GP first.

• Women with heavy periods who lose significant iron each month
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (under medical supervision)
• People following vegetarian or vegan diets with limited dietary iron
• Those who have previously experienced gut side effects with standard iron tablets

How Does Active Iron Compare to Standard Ferrous Sulphate?

Is Active Iron Suitable for Everyday Use and How Should It Be Stored?

For most healthy adults, taking one capsule of this iron supplement for women daily is appropriate for ongoing support. If you have a diagnosed condition such as haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder), thalassaemia, or any other condition affecting iron metabolism, you must not take iron supplements without explicit medical advice. Similarly, if you are taking other medicines — particularly levothyroxine, certain antibiotics, or antacids — speak to your pharmacist, as iron can affect how these are absorbed. You'll find further guidance on managing your overall health through our women's health collection.

Store Active Iron capsules below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the pack out of reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Active Iron and What Is It Used For?

Active Iron 30 Capsules is an oral iron supplement containing iron bisglycinate, a chelated form of elemental iron. It is used to help maintain healthy iron levels in adults, particularly those at risk of iron deficiency due to diet, lifestyle, or physiological factors such as menstruation or pregnancy. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin and myoglobin, and for normal energy metabolism. The NHS recognises iron deficiency anaemia as the most common form of anaemia in the UK, and dietary supplementation is a widely recommended first-line approach for mild to moderate deficiency.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Active Iron?

Before starting any iron supplement, it's important to understand when it may not be appropriate. Taking iron when you don't need it can cause harm, so if you haven't had your iron levels checked, consider speaking to your GP first.

Do not take Active Iron if you:

• Have haemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload disorder)
• Have haemolytic anaemia or any condition causing increased red blood cell breakdown
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the capsule
• Have been told by a doctor that you should not take iron supplements
• Are a child under 12 years of age (unless directed by a healthcare professional)

Medicines that may interact with Active Iron:

• Levothyroxine (thyroid medication) — iron can reduce absorption; take at least four hours apart
• Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics — iron may reduce their effectiveness
• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors — may reduce iron absorption
• Calcium supplements — can compete with iron for absorption; separate doses by at least two hours
• Levodopa (used in Parkinson's disease) — iron may reduce its absorption

How Should You Use Active Iron Capsules?

Always follow the directions on the product label or as advised by your pharmacist. Do not exceed the stated dose. If you are unsure whether this supplement is right for you, seek advice before starting.

1. Take one capsule daily with a full glass of water.
2. Swallow the capsule whole — do not crush or chew it.
3. Take with or shortly after food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
4. Avoid taking alongside tea, coffee, milk, or calcium-rich foods, as these can reduce iron absorption.
5. If you are taking other medicines, leave a gap of at least two to four hours between Active Iron and those medicines.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Active Iron?

Iron bisglycinate is generally considered gentler on the digestive system than inorganic iron salts, but side effects can still occur. Most are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, stop taking the supplement and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Common side effects:

• Dark or black stools (this is harmless and expected)
• Mild nausea, particularly if taken on an empty stomach
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort or bloating

Less common side effects:

• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling) — seek medical attention immediately if these occur

If you experience signs of iron overload — such as joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, or skin bronzing — stop taking the supplement and contact your GP. Iron overload is rare with standard supplementation but can occur in those with underlying conditions. You can also explore our IBS and cramps range if digestive discomfort is an ongoing concern.

How Should You Store Active Iron Capsules?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the capsules in their original packaging until use.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children — iron overdose in children can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, as humidity can affect the capsules.
• If you need to dispose of unused capsules, return them to your local pharmacy — do not flush or bin medicines.