So cross to find out that Boots own iron tablets only contain 0.014g of iron

[Mustardfan]

I’ve been taking Boots iron and vitamin C tablets. They don’t say on the pot how much iron is in them. I just got the results of a blood test. My ferritin level is 20 (labelled as satisfactory). I then went on Boots website to check the iron tablets and discovered how little is in them. Is it even legal for them not to state this on the pot? I wish I’d checked before. I’m cross with Boots, and with myself.

It sounds like they contain the recommended daily amount and I presume they can’t put more due to them not being prescription. Ridiculous it doesn’t show on the packet how much is in them though.

They do tell you that they are 14mg tablets. 14mg is 0.014g because 1g is 1000mg. The daily recommended amount of iron for a woman is 14.8mg, and you'll get at least some iron from your foods.

I've just looked at my multivitamin... 14mg of iron, 100% rda.

They must say on the pot that they contain 14mg of iron because the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 (as amended) state what must be included on the label.

Some of the Boots vitamins have one of those labels where you have to peel it from the edge and the info is underneath.

You can buy prescription strength ferrous fumerate from the pharmacist, behind the counter.

On a side note have you tried taking ferrous fumerate instead? I had low ferritin when pregnant and normal tablets didn't touch the sides. Felt loads better when I switched over (on my doctor's advice).

There is no point in being cross though, I buy ferrous fumarate over the counter at Boots. It has a higher iron level, as pp have stated. It works for me, and I find it gentle on my stomach.

20 ferritin is in no way 'satisfactory'. You need to get it to around 90 for optimal functioning of enzymes.

It says right on the front of the pack that it contains 14mg, and that’s 100% of the RDA. Why are you angry?

They are not for people with an iron deficiency; they are usually prescription only.

You can buy ferrous sulphate 200mg from the pharmacist. I've done it. You don't need a prescription.

How much iron were you expecting them to have in them?
The 200mg ferrous sulphate tablets still only have 0.065g of actual iron in them.

It tells you right there in big writing on the front of the pot??!

Thanks, I see that now. I somehow couldn’t see that before.

How come it says 200mg, when it actually has 0.065g?

The Boots one that I’ve been taking is actually ferrous fumerate. But I’m going to switch over to a higher strength one, thanks.

it has plenty of iron in?

I’m no chemist but I’d guess that ferrous sulphate is not 100% iron?

Thanks, I’m mixing up my grams and mg.

my understanding is that when you take iron as a supplement, you aren’t able to absorb much of it, so it’s helpful to take a big dose. I’ll be buying some bigger strength pills today.

When would you buy any supplement without checking it contains then levels you need?

Those supplements contain 100% of RDA, if you have a problem you might need something higher, but that's not Boots" fault.

It’s hard keeping up ferritin with the amount of iron in some supplements. I use Solgars iron bisglycinate and take 2/3 every other day.

I think you're maths skills need improving

Your

Thank you Lougle!

I like info like this and it has explained a lot that I can carry forward to other stuff. 💜