What Iron Supplements Start With M?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders globally, affecting billions of people. For those exploring different options, several iron supplements start with the letter M, each with unique formulations and applications to address iron needs.

Quick Summary

This article explores specific iron supplements beginning with M, including oral iron polymaltose, intravenous infusions, and microencapsulated forms. Discover their distinct compositions and ideal applications for treating iron deficiency.

Key Points

Maltofer: An oral iron polymaltose supplement known for causing fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional ferrous iron.
Monoferric: An intravenous iron infusion suitable for patients who cannot tolerate or respond to oral iron, providing a rapid, high-dose iron replenishment.
Microencapsulated Iron: Technology used in supplements like Microfer/MicroIron (Lipofer) to improve absorption, eliminate metallic taste, and reduce GI irritation.
MegaFood Blood Builder: An oral supplement containing iron bisglycinate along with other essential vitamins to support overall blood health.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable iron supplement for your specific health condition and needs.
Monitor Your Iron Status: Regular monitoring of your iron levels is recommended during therapy to assess its effectiveness.

Maltofer: The Oral Iron Polymaltose Supplement

Maltofer is a well-known brand of oral iron supplement, containing iron polymaltose complex as its active ingredient. It is often prescribed for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency, particularly for individuals who experience poor gastrointestinal tolerance with traditional ferrous iron supplements like ferrous sulfate.

Forms of Maltofer

Maltofer is available in several formats to suit different patient needs:

Tablets: Swallowable tablets containing 100mg of elemental iron.
Syrup: A liquid form suitable for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Drops: Ideal for adolescents and adults who require a dosage lower than 100mg, which is not possible with the tablets.

Advantages of Maltofer

Unlike many conventional iron salts, Maltofer can be taken with or immediately after a meal, and its absorption is not negatively impacted by common foods like tea or coffee. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that Maltofer causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation and nausea, making it a more tolerable option for many patients. It is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Monoferric: The Intravenous Solution

Monoferric is an intravenous (IV) iron replacement therapy used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It is not a supplement you can buy over-the-counter but is administered by a healthcare professional. Monoferric is indicated for adult patients who:

Cannot tolerate or have an unsatisfactory response to oral iron.
Have non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD).
Require a rapid and high-dose replenishment of iron stores.

One of the key features of Monoferric is that it can deliver a single, high dose of 1000mg of iron in a rapid infusion, which is sufficient for most patients. This can significantly shorten the treatment time compared to multiple oral doses.

Microfer/MicroIron: Encapsulated Iron Technology

Microfer and MicroIron represent a newer class of iron supplements that utilize microencapsulation technology. This technology involves coating the iron particles to improve absorption, palatability, and reduce side effects.

How Microencapsulation Works

Microencapsulated iron, such as Lipofer (liposomal iron pyrophosphate), protects the iron from degradation in the stomach and ensures a more controlled release in the intestine. The advantages of this advanced delivery system include:

Higher bioavailability: The body absorbs the iron more effectively.
Fewer gastrointestinal issues: Direct contact with the intestinal mucosa is minimized, reducing stomach upset and constipation.
No metallic taste: The coating eliminates the unpleasant metallic aftertaste commonly associated with iron supplements.

Brands like Ocean Microfer and MicroIron offer microencapsulated iron in formulations such as capsules, drops, or powdered sachets.

Comparison of M-Starting Iron Supplements


Feature	Maltofer	Monoferric	Microfer/MicroIron	MegaFood Blood Builder
Type	Oral (tablet, syrup, drops)	Intravenous infusion	Oral (capsule, drop, sachet)	Oral (tablet)
Iron Form	Iron Polymaltose	Ferric derisomaltose	Liposomal Iron Pyrophosphate	Iron Bisglycinate
Administration	Taken orally with or after food	Administered by a healthcare professional	Taken orally with liquid or food	Taken orally
Key Benefit	Fewer GI side effects than ferrous salts	Rapid, single-dose iron replenishment	Enhanced absorption and tolerability via microencapsulation	Contains additional vitamins for blood health
Best For	Patients with GI intolerance to standard oral iron	Severe anemia or oral iron failure	Improved taste and tolerability	Vegan individuals requiring holistic blood support

MegaFood Blood Builder: A Multivitamin with Iron

While not exclusively an iron supplement, MegaFood Blood Builder is a popular product that contains 26 mg of iron per serving in the highly absorbable form of iron bisglycinate. This supplement is fortified with other blood-building nutrients, including folate and Vitamin B12, and is certified vegan. The inclusion of these complementary nutrients helps support overall blood health and may be suitable for individuals with broader nutritional deficiencies. It offers a gentler iron source compared to some traditional oral formulations and can be a good option for those seeking a combined approach to supplementation.

Factors for Choosing the Right Supplement

Selecting the correct iron supplement depends on several factors, including the severity of your iron deficiency, gastrointestinal sensitivity, and your doctor's recommendations. For mild to moderate deficiency, or for those who have experienced stomach upset with other iron forms, Maltofer or microencapsulated iron products may be effective and better tolerated. For severe anemia, particularly in cases where oral iron has failed or is unsuitable, an intravenous option like Monoferric is often the fastest and most efficient route for iron repletion. It is crucial to have your iron status monitored by a medical professional throughout your treatment, regardless of the supplement chosen. A balanced diet rich in iron can also support recovery, with iron-rich foods including red meat, leafy greens, and legumes. For additional information and to understand the broader context of iron supplementation, review resources like the National Institutes of Health's fact sheet on iron (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron%20%20-HealthProfessional/).

Conclusion

Several effective iron supplements begin with the letter M, offering options for different needs and circumstances. Oral choices like Maltofer provide an alternative for those with sensitive stomachs, while innovative microencapsulated technologies in products like MicroIron enhance absorption and palatability. For severe cases or intolerance to oral iron, the intravenous Monoferric offers a rapid solution. The key to successful iron supplementation is selecting the right formula for your specific condition under a doctor's supervision, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maltofer is an oral iron supplement containing iron polymaltose, which is absorbed in a controlled manner by the body. A key benefit is its excellent gastrointestinal tolerability, leading to fewer side effects like constipation and nausea compared to traditional iron salts.

No, Monoferric is not an oral supplement. It is an intravenous (IV) iron infusion that must be administered by a healthcare professional, used for patients who need rapid iron replenishment or cannot tolerate oral iron.

Oral supplements, like Maltofer, are taken by mouth and are absorbed through the digestive system over a period of weeks to months. Intravenous iron, like Monoferric, is delivered directly into the bloodstream, providing a rapid and large dose of iron.

Microencapsulated iron, such as Lipofer found in Microfer and MicroIron products, involves coating the iron particles. This protects the iron, enhances its absorption, and minimizes unwanted side effects such as metallic taste and GI irritation.

Yes, Maltofer is suitable for use during pregnancy for correcting iron levels and is often recommended for its fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, you should always consult your medical practitioner before starting any supplement during pregnancy.

No. Many multivitamin supplements, especially those for men or seniors, contain little to no iron. Multivitamins specifically formulated with iron, like MegaFood Blood Builder, may contain therapeutic amounts, but it is important to check the elemental iron dosage and consult a doctor for a deficiency.

It can take a few weeks for iron supplements to start noticeably working, and the full correction of iron deficiency may take several months (typically 3-6 months). Regular monitoring by a doctor is essential to track progress.