Dietitians’ Picks: Best Iron Supplement for Pregnancy 2025

Iron is an indispensable nutrient that helps transport oxygen in the bloodstream to boost energy and support the immune system. Despite being a vital nutrient, most Indian pregnant women have iron deficiency, anaemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also estimated that around 20% of women across the globe might be iron deficient, especially during their reproductive years. 

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), women between the ages of 19 and 50 should consume around 18 mg of iron daily. This iron demand jumps for pregnant women, and thus, healthcare providers recommend consuming iron supplements for pregnancy to bridge the gap. The RDA of iron for pregnant women is around 30 mg daily to support both the mother and the baby.

In this blog, we will decode the best pregnancy supplements and the best iron pills for pregnancy to make it easier for you.

Why Women Need Iron Supplementations During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy increases your nutritional demands, and your baby needs extra vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and multi micronutrients. Listed below are the reasons why women need iron supplements during pregnancy:

·         Morning Sickness: Nausea and morning sickness are just part of being pregnant. It sometimes makes it difficult to consume and retain nutrients in the body.

·         Increased Nutritional Needs: During this time, your nutritional demands rise, and therefore, supplementation is required.

·         Digestive Issues: Pregnancy causes several digestive issues, such as constipation or bloating, which interfere with your nutrient absorption.

Why Iron Matters During Pregnancy?

·         Fatigue and breathlessness

·         Increased risk of preterm delivery

·         Low birth weight

·         Postpartum depression

·         Impaired cognitive development in the baby

How Much Iron Do You Need During Pregnancy?

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and WHO guidelines:

·         Pregnant women need 27–30 mg of elemental iron daily

·         Lactating women require around 21 mg/day

·         Supplements often contain 30–60 mg per tablet

Nutrients You Need Alongside Iron

·         Folate (Vitamin B9): It helps prevent neural tube defects and helps with the formation of red blood cells.

·         Vitamin B12: It is essential for DNA synthesis and neurological development. However, it is low in a vegetarian diet.

·         Vitamin C: It helps enhance iron absorption. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, amla, lemon, and capsicum.

·         Zinc: It helps support immune function and tissue growth. Additionally, Zinc plays a key role in enzyme function during pregnancy.

·         Iodine: This nutrient is required for thyroid function and brain development.

·         Calcium: It is essential for optimal bone, skeletal, and teeth development.

Trimacare, the best iron supplement for pregnancy

Trimacare™ is a comprehensive prenatal supplement recommended by leading Indian doctors. With 20+ essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, omega-3, and calcium, it’s formulated to meet WHO and ICMR guidelines, supporting Indian mothers through every trimester.

The Bottom Line

Iron supplements are essential for a healthy pregnancy, especially in India, where anemia is widespread. In 2025, experts favor gentler, easily absorbed options that suit today’s mothers. But remember, it’s not just about what you take, it’s about staying consistent, listening to your body, and checking in with your doctor before making any changes to your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: How much elemental iron is safe in pregnancy?

Ans: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming around 30 - 60 mg of elemental iron is considered safe during pregnancy.

Que: Which form of iron is the gentlest on the stomach?

Ans: Ferrous fumarate and ferrous bisglycinate are generally considered gentler on the stomach than other forms of iron supplements like ferrous sulphate.

Que: Is it safe to consume daily iron supplements in pregnancy?

Ans: Yes. It is safe to consume iron supplements during pregnancy to prevent anaemia. Although there might be side effects of high doses of iron supplements for pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any pregnancy supplement.

Que: Can iron supplements for pregnancy harm the baby?

Ans: No. Iron pills for pregnancy are designed to prevent anaemia and support you and your baby during pregnancy. However, excessive doses are dangerous; thus, always consult your healthcare provider about the accurate dosage.

Que: Do I need iron supplements in pregnancy if I eat meat?

Ans: Yes, you may still require iron supplements during pregnancy because during this time, your nutritional demands shoot up.

Que: Why does constipation occur with iron supplements during pregnancy?

Ans: Slow digestion and oxidation of iron in the gut are the victims of constipation when eating iron supplements during pregnancy.

Que: Can I take Vitamin C with iron pills for pregnancy?

Ans: Yes. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. So, it is great to have a glass of orange juice.

Que: Are iron gummies as effective as iron pills for pregnancy?

Ans: Iron gummies are fine for mild iron supplementation, like 18 to 30 mg a day, but serious anaemic conditions require stronger iron pregnancy supplement options.

Que: How soon do iron supplements for pregnancy start to benefit?

Ans: You can notice the improvement in iron levels within 2 to 4 weeks, and improvement in your anaemic conditions starts to show within 8 to 12 weeks.