How Many Calories are in Liquid Iron? A Detailed Breakdown

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a survey by the CDC, iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the United States, driving many to seek liquid supplements. When choosing a liquid iron supplement, an important question arises: how many calories are in liquid iron? The answer varies depending on the specific product, as manufacturers often add sweeteners and flavors, while the elemental iron itself contains no calories.

Quick Summary

Liquid iron supplements contain a variable number of calories, not from the elemental iron itself, but from added sugars, sweeteners, and other ingredients.

Key Points

Elemental Iron has No Calories: The mineral itself is calorie-free, so any caloric content in a supplement comes from other ingredients.
Calories Come from Additives: Manufacturers add sugars, fruit juice, glycerin, and other sweeteners to improve taste and consistency, which contain calories.
Calorie Counts Vary by Brand: Different brands use different formulations, resulting in a range of calorie counts per serving, from as low as 4 to over 20 calories.
Calorie Impact is Negligible for Most: The low caloric value of liquid iron supplements is usually insignificant in the context of a total daily diet and should not be a primary concern for weight management.
Focus on Iron Content and Absorption: Prioritize the amount and form of elemental iron, along with the presence of absorption-enhancing nutrients like Vitamin C, when selecting a supplement.
Check Labels for Accuracy: Always read the nutrition facts label for precise calorie information and to identify any specific sweeteners that might be important for your dietary needs.

The Core Truth: Elemental Iron is Calorie-Free

At its most fundamental level, elemental iron—the mineral itself—contains zero calories. Calories are a measure of energy, typically derived from macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat. As a mineral, iron does not contribute to this energy count. Therefore, any caloric value in a liquid iron supplement comes from other ingredients used in the formulation. The total calorie count is generally very low, but it is important for individuals on extremely strict diets to be aware of what is included.

Where Do Calories in Liquid Iron Supplements Come From?

Manufacturers add various ingredients to liquid iron supplements for several reasons, primarily to improve taste, consistency, and absorption. These additives are the source of any calories present. Common ingredients include:

Sweeteners and Sugars: Many liquid iron supplements are sweetened to mask the metallic taste of iron. Ingredients like cane sugar, fruit juice, xylitol, glycerin, and stevia are common.
Flavorings: Natural and artificial flavors are used to make the supplement more palatable. These often contain a minimal number of calories.
Carriers and Excipients: Ingredients like water, vegetable glycerin, and other excipients are used to create the liquid base and stabilize the mixture. Vegetable glycerin, for example, is a sugar alcohol that contains calories.
Malt Extracts: Some products, like Floradix, contain malt extract, a source of carbohydrates and calories.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

The caloric content of a liquid iron supplement is not standardized. It is influenced by several factors, including:

Serving Size: The calorie count is directly tied to the serving size recommended by the manufacturer. A product with a larger serving size will have more calories, assuming a similar formulation.
Formulation and Brand: Different brands use different blends of ingredients. A 'natural' formula sweetened with honey and malt extract will likely have a different calorie count than one using artificial sweeteners and glycerin.
Concentration: More concentrated formulas might have a different caloric density per milliliter compared to less concentrated versions.

A Look at Calorie Counts in Popular Liquid Iron Brands

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison of several liquid iron supplements based on search results:


Brand/Product	Serving Size	Calories per Serving	Calorie Source	Notes
Now Foods Liquid Iron	2 tsp (10 mL)	20 kcal	Carbohydrates (incl. Xylitol)	Includes xylitol and no added sugar.
Wellessence MD Liquid Iron	1 tbsp	10 kcal	Carbohydrates	100% carbs; no fat or protein.
Floradix Liquid Iron	20 mL	20 kcal	Carbohydrates (incl. sugars)	Also contains malt extract and honey.
Nature's Way Liquid Iron	1 tbsp	10 kcal	Carbohydrates (incl. erythritol)	Contains sugar alcohol; no added sugars.
One-Vite Ferrous Sulfate	1 tsp (5 mL)	4 kcal	Carbohydrates (incl. sugar)	Lower concentration, includes added sugar.
MegaFood Blood Builder Liquid Iron	2 tsp (10 mL)	30 kcal	Carbohydrates	Higher carb count for same volume as Now Foods.

Why the Calorie Difference is Usually Insignificant

For the average person, the few extra calories from a liquid iron supplement are negligible and will have no significant impact on overall dietary intake. The purpose of these supplements is to address nutritional deficiencies, and the health benefits of correcting low iron levels far outweigh the minimal caloric intake. For example, a 20-calorie dose is less than 1% of a typical 2,000-calorie daily diet. Concerns about weight gain from liquid iron are generally unfounded.

Understanding Liquid Iron Formulation

The formulation of liquid iron supplements is critical for absorption and tolerance. While adding sweeteners like sugar or fruit juice can increase calories, other additives like Vitamin C are crucial for enhancing iron absorption. The form of iron used, such as ferrous fumarate or iron bisglycinate, also impacts how well the body can utilize the mineral. A well-formulated supplement balances palatability and bio-availability, making the small calorie cost a necessary trade-off for effective treatment.

Making an Informed Choice

When selecting a liquid iron supplement, focus on the overall nutritional facts rather than fixating on the calorie count. Key considerations should be:

Elemental Iron Content: Check the label for the amount of elemental iron per serving, as this is the metric that determines effectiveness.
Form of Iron: Different forms of iron (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferric glycinate) have varying absorption rates and may cause different side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress.
Added Nutrients: Many liquid supplements include other vitamins like B-vitamins and Vitamin C to improve absorption and efficacy.
Personal Dietary Needs: If you have specific dietary restrictions, such as following a keto or sugar-free diet, scrutinize the ingredients list for added sugars or calorie-containing sweeteners like xylitol or glycerin.
Absorption Enhancers: Look for products that include Vitamin C, which can significantly increase non-heme iron absorption.

Conclusion

In summary, elemental iron contains no calories, but the liquid supplements that deliver it do. The caloric content is derived from added ingredients like sugars, sweeteners, and glycerin used for flavor and consistency. While the number of calories can vary by brand, it is typically very low and inconsequential for most individuals. The key to an effective supplement is not its calorie count, but rather its elemental iron content, the form of iron used, and any absorption-enhancing ingredients it contains. For those concerned about specific dietary needs, checking the label and consulting a healthcare provider is the best approach.

Iron - Health Professional Fact Sheet, National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

No, liquid iron supplements do not cause weight gain. Any calories they contain are from sweeteners and are typically very low, having no significant impact on your weight.

Calories in liquid iron supplements come from added ingredients like sugars, glycerin, or fruit juice. These are included to improve the taste and mask the metallic flavor of the iron.

It is difficult to find a completely calorie-free liquid iron supplement due to the need for a palatable liquid base. However, many options are extremely low in calories, and some use non-caloric sweeteners like stevia.

Most iron tablets or capsules contain zero calories, as they typically do not contain the sugars or sweeteners found in liquid versions. Always check the label, but calorie counts are usually not a concern for pill-based supplements.

Yes, it is common for liquid iron supplements to have a small number of calories, while tablet or capsule forms are typically calorie-free. This is because the liquid format requires added flavorings and sweeteners for palatability.

For the vast majority of people, the calorie count is not important at all. The calories are so minimal they won't affect weight or diet goals. The focus should be on the supplement's effectiveness and your ability to tolerate it.

To find the precise calorie count, you should always check the 'Supplement Facts' or 'Nutrition Facts' label on the product packaging. This will provide the breakdown of calories and other ingredients per serving.