Which iron pill works best? small study tests natural vs. standard supplements

This completed study looked at how well healthy pre-menopausal women with low iron stores absorb iron from two different supplements: Spatone (a natural iron-rich water) and ferrous sulphate (a standard iron pill). Fourteen women took three different doses (5, 10, and 15 mg) of each supplement in a random order. Researchers measured iron absorption by tracking a special stable isotope in the blood. The goal was to see which supplement and dose provides the best iron uptake, which could help guide dietary recommendations for iron deficiency.