What Is the Difference Between Iron Pills?

The World Health Organization recognizes iron deficiency as the largest nutritional disorder worldwide. Iron supplements can be purchased over the counter and are available in many forms.

Ferrous vs. Ferric

• According to Iowa State University, ferrous forms of iron are more easily absorbed than ferric forms. Ferrous sulfate is the cheapest and most common form of iron, but some people may experience gastrointestinal distress while taking ferrous sulfate. Although ferrous gluconate is typically more expensive than ferrous sulfate, it is milder on the stomach.

Other Forms

• Less popular forms of iron include ferrous succinate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous glutamate. The main difference between forms of iron is their elemental iron content--ferrous fumarate contains the most elemental iron and ferrous gluconate the least. According to Dr. Stanley L. Schrier at Stanford University School of Medicine, there is no evidence that one form of ferrous iron is more effective than another.

Deficiency

• In some cases of severe iron deficiency, such as instances of serious anemia or rapid blood loss, patients may need to be hospitalized. Iron and blood will be administered intravenously to correct deficiencies.

Dietary Sources

• The National Institutes of Health recommend fish, meat and poultry as dietary sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron. Sources of non-heme iron include lentils, beans, cereals and grain products.

Precautions

• Iron can interact with many drugs, including antibiotics, antacids and cholesterol-lowering drugs, so see your doctor before taking any iron supplements. Iron can also cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and diarrhea. The most common type of accidental poisoning in children is iron poisoning.