Supporting Iron Levels Naturally

If you have in issue with low iron, then eating the right foods likely isn’t enough.  Of course, you could eat spinach and liver and all the right foods, but if your digestion is off -you’re not absorbing the nutrients.  So a whole food iron supplement is the best next step.

Iron is essential to your health. It is necessary for energy and oxygen, and also supports your immune system.  Iron deficiency rs common,  particularly among menstruating women, children, and if your digestion is off. (See my blog and online course about upper digestion and how to start absorbing nutrients.)

Thankfully, there are ways to restore balance naturally – without synthetic forms of iron that can be hard on the digestive tract, and are why iron has a reputation for causing constipation.  Hematic Formula by Doctor’s Food Research and Ferrofood by Standard Process are the two best options.  I’ll break them down so you can decide.

Before I go into more detail, one easy choice is Hematic Formula if iron tends to be constipating for you.  If iron supplementation = constipation, then you can stop reading now and just get the Hematic Formula.

Also, Hematic Formula is appropriate for you if you are Vegan or can’t have beef products.

Why Choose Whole-Food Iron Supplements?

Before we dive into the formulas, it’s important to understand why whole-food iron sources are preferred:

• Better Absorption: Your body recognizes nutrients from whole foods more readily than isolated or synthetic versions.
• Gentler on the Gut: Many people experience constipation, nausea, or stomach discomfort from standard, over-the-counter iron supplements. Whole-food forms tend to be better tolerated. With Hematic Formula being the best for constipation concerns or sensitive stomachs.
• Nutrients that work together: Nature doesn’t separate nutrients, so neither should you. Whole-food supplements include cofactors like copper, B vitamins, and vitamin C that support iron absorption and metabolism.  Without these cofactors, it’s harder for your body to utilize the nutrients.  So the mg may be high, but that doesn’t mean your body can use them effectively or efficiently.

Hematic Formula by Doctor’s Research

Hematic Formulais:
*100% whole-food
*uses nutrient-rich foods that naturally contain iron and iron cofactors.
*made from organically grown and wildcrafted ingredients
*supports healthy red blood cell formation and oxygenation

Key Benefits:

• Provides whole-food iron from non-heme plant and food sources.
• Contains synergistic nutrients like vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C, all important for red blood cell production.
• Free of synthetic vitamins, isolated minerals, and chemical binders.
• Highly bioavailable and easy on the stomach.
• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Ideal For You If:

• your digestion is sensitive
• having a non-constipating, plant-based iron source is important to you
• you want a gentle and gradual way to rebuild blood and vitality.

Ferrofood by Standard Process

Ferrofood
* time-tested
* combines iron with bovine-derived glandulars and whole-food cofactors
* has nutrient-rich organ tissue concentrates that provide targeted support

Key Benefits:

• Contains heme iron from bovine liver extract, which is more quickly/readily absorbed than plant-based iron.
• Includes copper, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 to support iron metabolism and hemoglobin formation.
• Especially useful in cases of moderate to severe iron depletion or when quick replenishment is needed.
• Manufactured by a company with over 90 years of experience in whole-food nutrition.

Ideal For You If:

• you have significant iron deficiency.
• animal-derived supplements work for youffff.
• you need more rapid support for fatigue, pale complexion, or low ferritin.

How to Choose Between the Two

Feature	Hematic Formula	Ferrofood
Iron Source	Plant-based, non-heme	Animal-based, heme
Gentleness	Very gentle	Moderately gentle
Speed of Results	Slower, steady	Faster-acting
Suitable for Vegetarians	✅ Yes	❌ No
Formulation Philosophy	100% food-based	Whole-food with glandular support

Whether you’re working to rebuild iron stores after childbirth, address chronic fatigue, or simply support your energy naturally, choosing the right iron supplement is key.

• Hematic Formula offers a gentle, plant-based path rooted in purity and simplicity.
• Ferrofood delivers powerful support for those needing more targeted and faster replenishment.

As always, it’s wise to test, not guess. If you’re unsure about your iron levels or which supplement is right for your body, speak with a practitioner who understands whole-food nutrition.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.