Classic iron pills are, in a word, worthless. They often don’t get absorbed, they do cause constipation, bellyaches, or diarrhea, and they are just what the doctor usually orders for anemia. When the tests show you are still anemic after taking these horrid things for weeks, you get to have more tests for other causes of anemia. This rigamarole is not particularly fun and often not warranted.

If your anemia is indeed due to iron deficiency, all that is needed is a usable iron supplement and adequate vitamin C. Liquid iron is the most effective way to achieve this.

And…if you’ve ever had a teenager at home growing like a weed, you’ll perhaps know what it’s like to go through iron “like kleenex during pollen season”.

Floradix is one such supplement that covers all those bases, but has some drawbacks:

  • It’s expensive. 70 servings costs $20 on Amazon, much more at the health food store.
  • Several ingredients are suspect (things I don’t choose to knowingly consume): yeast extract (glutamate), folic acid (synthetic and harmful to many people), and various non-organic fruit juices (may or may not matter to you).
  • Must measure each dose in a little cup and then rinse before you stick it back on the cap or you’ll get it all sticky.
  • Needs refrigeration, so you can’t just throw it in your purse or suitcase and take it with you.
  • Too big for airplane carry-ons
  • Has a “nice” taste, rendering it dangerous to small children as an iron poisoning risk. (Cap reads: Push down to turn)

Ferrotonic_1024x1024Ferro-Tonic:

  • over 100 servings for $7. Each serving is a mere 8 drops!
  • Dropper top is included so there is no little measuring cup to wash out.
  • minimalist ingredient list: Iron Sulfate, Distilled Water
  • only 2oz, so even the TSA has to approve it!
  • virtually undetectable taste in juice; completely non-offensive taken this way
  • Tastes terrible taken straight, making is unlikely that anyone of any age will swig it to their detriment. (And there’s no safety cap to fight with.)
  • Adding vitamin C to your supplement program is easy and cheap.

What is your favorite way to get iron in your diet? Leave me a comment below if you have something to share.