Key Active Ingredients in MegaFood Iron
The primary iron supplement from MegaFood is Blood Builder. Its gentle and effective formulation is derived from a core set of active ingredients. These include the iron itself, alongside key vitamins and whole food blends that support its absorption and overall efficacy.
- Fermented Iron Bisglycinate: MegaFood uses a specific form of iron that is fermented. This form, iron bisglycinate, is highly absorbable and is known to be gentle on the digestive system, which helps avoid common side effects like constipation or nausea that can occur with other iron supplements.
- Vitamin C (from Organic Orange): Vitamin C is a critical component for maximizing iron absorption in the body, particularly for non-heme iron. MegaFood sources this vitamin from organic oranges, aligning with their whole-food philosophy.
- Folate (as Folic Acid with Broccoli): Folate, or Vitamin B9, is essential for healthy red blood cell production. MegaFood's formula includes folate derived from broccoli, contributing to the comprehensive blood-building support.
- Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin with S. cerevisiae): Vitamin B12 works synergistically with folate and iron to support the creation of healthy red blood cells. The B12 in Blood Builder is cultured in a ferment media with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or inactivated yeast.
The Whole-Food and Other Ingredient Profile
Beyond the primary nutrients, MegaFood Blood Builder also contains a blend of whole foods and other ingredients that serve various purposes, from providing additional nutritional support to forming the tablet itself.
- Organic Beet Root: Included for its deep-red pigments and traditional use in nourishing the blood, organic beet root is a key part of the whole-food blend.
- Food Blend: This includes a proprietary mix of organic brown rice, organic orange, and organic broccoli. These ingredients provide the foundation for the ferment media and contribute to the overall nutrient profile of the supplement.
- Ferment Media: The active nutrients are cultured within a ferment media consisting of rice protein, autolyzed yeast extract, and organic brown rice. This fermentation process is part of MegaFood's method for creating FoodState Nutrients, which are designed to be easy for the body to recognize and absorb.
- Other ingredients: The tablets are bound together using rice protein, autolyzed yeast, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, and hypromellose. These components are necessary for the structural integrity of the tablet.
Blood Builder Tablet vs. Gummy: A Comparative Look
While the Blood Builder tablet is the most recognized MegaFood iron product, the brand also offers an Iron Energy Gummy. The ingredients and formulation differ significantly, appealing to different consumer preferences.
| Feature | Blood Builder Tablet | Iron Energy Gummy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Iron Source | Fermented Iron Bisglycinate | Fermented Iron Bisglycinate |
| Enhancing Nutrients | Vitamin C, Folate, Vitamin B12 | Vitamin B6, Methylated B12, and Fermented Iron |
| Whole Foods Included | Organic Beet Root, Organic Orange, Organic Broccoli | Organic Acerola Fruit Juice Powder, Beet Juice Concentrate |
| Sweeteners/Binders | Ferment media, rice protein, stearic acid, hypromellose | Organic tapioca syrup, organic sugar, pectin |
| Taste/Format | Unflavored, easy-to-swallow tablet | Natural fruit flavors, chewable gummy |
| Vegan/Dietary Info | Certified Vegan | Vegan |
What Makes MegaFood Iron Different?
MegaFood's approach, particularly with its Blood Builder product, stands out from many conventional iron supplements. Their use of fermented nutrients and whole-food ingredients is central to their brand identity. The goal is to provide a nutrient that is easily recognized and utilized by the body, minimizing the potential for digestive upset. This whole-food-based formulation is a key differentiator for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those who prefer a less processed supplement.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in MegaFood iron, most prominently featured in the Blood Builder formula, include fermented iron bisglycinate, vitamins C, B12, and folate, alongside organic whole foods like beetroot, orange, and broccoli. This unique combination is designed to be gentle on the stomach and highly effective at increasing iron levels and supporting red blood cell production. By understanding what goes into their supplements, consumers can make informed decisions about their nutritional support. The choice between the tablet and gummy version depends largely on personal preference for dosage form, with both options providing a gentle, high-quality iron source. For additional information about the benefits of whole-food supplements, you can consult reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
