India has one of the highest rates of iron deficiency in the world. Women, especially, face the brunt due to menstruation, pregnancy, and poor absorption from everyday diets. The ICMR recommends 29 mg/day for women and 19 mg/day for men. Yet, many who take iron supplements regularly still show low haemoglobin. So, where’s the disconnect?
At Unbox Health, we test supplements, not just for what’s claimed, but what’s actually inside. Here’s how we evaluate iron products:
1. Actual Iron Content per Dose
We measure the elemental iron (Fe) present per capsule, tablet, or gummy. This tells us whether the product is truly delivering what it promises.
Example: One sample tested contained 9.72 mg of iron per gummy verified in a certified lab. This places it in our Medium dose bracket (7.5–15 mg), based on label claims and test results.
This bracket system helps users know:
- Low dose: 0–7.5 mg
- Medium dose: 7.5–15 mg
- High dose: 15+ mg
It’s especially useful if you’re already getting some iron from food or multivitamins.
2. Heavy Metal Contamination
Iron supplements, especially those not stringently regulated, can carry trace contaminants. At Unbox Health, we screen every tested product for:
- Lead (Pb)
- Arsenic (As)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Cadmium (Cd)
In the above example, all four metals were within permissible limits, some below detection entirely. This is critical for long-term users, since metals like lead and cadmium can build up and cause toxicity, even at low levels.
3. Independent Lab Validation
We use ISO-certified labs that follow quantitative chemical testing protocols (e.g., EASI-CHE-SOP-44, S01-CLC-0040). Results are cross-verified for accuracy. We don’t go by brand claims. We go by test data.
Why This Matters
You may be taking iron daily, and still not absorbing enough. The reasons could be:
- Poor formulation
- Low elemental iron
- Contaminants affecting gut health
- Wrong timing or food interactions
Check out unbiased lab-tested ratings of “Iron Supplements” on Unbox Health along with their detailed lab reports.
Always check independent ratings before making a purchase. Unbox Health help you cut through the marketing hype and choose the best oil for your health and your kitchen.
About Unbox Health
Unbox Health: India’s First Ratings Platform for Packaged Foods and Health Supplement Tired of biased reviews and never-ending claims? At Unbox Health, every product is tested at multiple premium FSSAI-approved NABL-accredited international labs – 100% independently, transparently, and without any brand involvement.
- 100% Transparency: All lab reports are publicly published.
- Zero Hidden Agendas: Products are market-bought with no brand involvement.
- Accurate Testing: Samples tested at up to 3 premium international labs
- Actionable Ratings: Based on Label Accuracy, Toxicity & Nutritional Profile.
Head over to Unbox Health and let the data guide your consumption choices.
References:
- ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2020)
- Clinical thresholds for heavy metal limits (FSSAI & WHO Codex)