Active Iron Pregnancy - 30 Capsules

Is Active Iron Pregnancy the Right Iron Supplement Pregnancy Choice for You?

Iron is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. Your body needs significantly more of it to support your growing baby, the placenta, and your own increased blood volume. In fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in pregnancy in the UK, and it can lead to anaemia if left unaddressed. Active Iron Pregnancy is a gentle, food-state iron supplement formulated specifically for expectant mothers — designed to deliver effective iron support with fewer of the digestive complaints that put so many women off taking iron altogether.

Each pack contains 30 capsules, giving you a full month's supply at just £10.99. If you're already browsing our range of vitamins and supplements, you'll find this sits neatly alongside other pregnancy-focused nutritional support. Whether your midwife has flagged low ferritin levels or you simply want to be proactive about your iron intake, this product is worth understanding properly before you start.

How Does Active Iron Pregnancy Work to Support Your Iron Levels?

The key lies in the form of iron used. Many standard iron supplements contain ferrous sulphate, which can irritate the gut lining and cause constipation, nausea, and stomach cramps. Active Iron Pregnancy uses ferrous bisglycinate — a chelated form of iron where the iron molecule is bound to the amino acid glycine. This structure allows it to be absorbed more gently through the intestinal wall.

• Ferrous bisglycinate is absorbed via a different pathway to inorganic iron salts, reducing gut irritation
• The chelated structure protects the iron molecule from binding to other food compounds that would otherwise block absorption
• Absorption occurs primarily in the upper small intestine, where conditions favour efficient uptake
• The result is a supplement that delivers meaningful iron support with a lower risk of the side effects that cause many women to stop taking iron mid-pregnancy

Who Should Consider Using Active Iron Pregnancy?

This supplement is designed for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy who need to maintain or increase their iron intake. It's particularly useful for those who have previously struggled with the side effects of standard iron tablets. That said, it is not a substitute for medical treatment if you have been diagnosed with moderate or severe iron-deficiency anaemia — your GP may prescribe a higher-dose preparation in that case.

• Pregnant women with low ferritin or haemoglobin levels identified at routine blood tests
• Women who have experienced nausea or constipation with other iron supplements
• Those following a plant-based diet, where dietary iron intake may be lower
• Women in their second or third trimester, when iron demands increase most significantly

How Does Active Iron Pregnancy Compare to Standard Iron Tablets?

Is Active Iron Pregnancy Safe to Store and Use Throughout Pregnancy?

Yes — when used as directed, iron supplement pregnancy products like Active Iron Pregnancy are considered safe for use throughout all trimesters. Store the capsules below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use beyond the printed expiry date on the pack.

If you're also managing other pregnancy-related symptoms, you might find our women's health range helpful for broader support during this time. Always speak to your midwife or GP before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are taking other medications or have a known medical condition.

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

What Is Active Iron Pregnancy and What Is It Used For?

Active Iron Pregnancy is an oral iron supplement in capsule form, containing ferrous bisglycinate as its active ingredient. It is used to help pregnant women maintain adequate iron levels throughout pregnancy — a period when the body's iron requirements increase substantially to support foetal development, placental growth, and the expansion of maternal red blood cell mass. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with fatigue, breathlessness, and, in more severe cases, iron-deficiency anaemia, which can affect both mother and baby.

This product is classified as a food supplement rather than a licensed medicine. It is not intended to treat diagnosed iron-deficiency anaemia — if your GP or midwife has confirmed anaemia, they may recommend a prescription-strength iron preparation instead. However, for women looking to support their iron intake proactively, or those who have found standard iron tablets difficult to tolerate, this is a practical and accessible option.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Active Iron Pregnancy?

Before starting any iron supplement, it's important to understand when it may not be appropriate. Do not take this product if any of the following apply to you:

• You have haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) or another condition causing excess iron storage
• You have a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
• You have been advised by your doctor to avoid iron supplementation
• You have active inflammatory bowel disease — seek medical advice first

The following medicines and substances may interact with iron supplements and reduce their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects:

• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors — may reduce iron absorption
• Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics — iron can reduce their absorption; take at least two hours apart
• Calcium supplements and dairy products — can inhibit iron uptake if taken simultaneously
• Levothyroxine (thyroid medication) — iron may reduce its absorption; separate doses by at least four hours
• Vitamin C — may enhance iron absorption when taken together

How Should You Use Active Iron Pregnancy?

Using this supplement correctly makes a real difference to how well your body absorbs the iron. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Take one capsule daily — do not exceed this dose unless directed by a healthcare professional
2. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water
3. If you experience nausea, take it with a light meal — absorption may be slightly reduced but tolerability improves
4. Avoid taking it within two hours of antacids, calcium supplements, or tetracycline antibiotics
5. Try to take it at the same time each day to build a consistent routine

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Active Iron Pregnancy?

All iron supplements can cause side effects, though ferrous bisglycinate is generally better tolerated than ferrous sulphate. Most side effects are mild and tend to settle after the first week or two of use. If you're also managing pregnancy-related nausea, you might find our sickness and nausea range helpful alongside your iron supplement.

Common side effects (may affect some users):

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

Less common side effects (affect fewer users):

• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Metallic taste in the mouth

Stop taking the supplement and seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or any signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

How Should You Store Active Iron Pregnancy?

Correct storage helps maintain the quality and effectiveness of the capsules throughout the pack's shelf life. You can find further guidance on supplement storage alongside our full baby and toddler health range if you're stocking up for the postnatal period too.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or moisture
• Keep the capsules in their original packaging
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink