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The 30-second answer
Do not start iron before a blood test; the NHS says anaemia is confirmed with a full blood count and treatment usually lasts about 6 months. Women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8 mg a day and men 8.7 mg. The highest dose here is Sleevar Iron 45 mg at EGP 390, the cheapest capsule is Ferrocal Forte 30 mg at EGP 170, and for those who cannot swallow capsules there is Liquid Iron. A doctor sets the treatment dose.
Before you buy: get tested
- Symptoms are not enough: the NHS lists tiredness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, paler skin and headaches as common symptoms, and all of them can have other causes.
- The test: the same source says a GP orders a full blood count, which needs no preparation.
- The cause matters more than the supplement: heavy periods and pregnancy are very common causes, as is bleeding from the stomach or gut, for example with painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin, or a stomach ulcer.
- Another deficiency? Tiredness can come from low B12 or vitamin D; see our signs of low iron, B12 and vitamin D, and which test.
Types of iron supplement
- Standard iron salts: the US National Library of Medicine says the most common tablet is ferrous sulfate, with ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate as other forms, sold as tablets, capsules and liquids.
- Liposomal iron: coated iron that makers say is gentler on the stomach; it is in Ferrocal Forte and Vee Ferro.
- Liquids: easier to swallow, but the same source says liquid iron may stain teeth, so mix it with water or juice and drink through a straw.
- Lactoferrin: a milk protein that binds iron and contains no iron, per the Dulefer page.
- Multivitamins with iron: a small amount of iron; fine as general support, not as anaemia treatment.
Iron for adults: capsules
#1
45 mg iron21+ vitamins and mineralsHighest dose
Sleevar Iron – 30 capsules
The highest iron dose here in one capsule
EGP 390
EGP 13.0 per capsule · 30 capsules
- The page says 45 mg iron per capsule, plus all B vitamins, A, C, D3, E, K1 and minerals
- One capsule a day after the main meal; 30 capsules last a month
- EGP 390, or EGP 13 a day
Heads-up: The page says it is not for pregnancy and that 45 mg is the adult upper limit, so do not add other iron; it is a high dose, so take it on a doctor’s advice
#2
30 mg ironLiposomal + vitamin CBest value
Ferrocal Forte – 20 capsules
A medium dose at the lowest price per capsule
EGP 170
EGP 8.5 per capsule · 20 capsules
- The page says 30 mg liposomal iron with 120 mg vitamin C, zinc, copper, folic acid, B12 and D3
- Cherry-flavoured soft gel, one a day after food
- EGP 170, or EGP 8.5 per capsule
Heads-up: 20 capsules last only 20 days, and treatment usually takes months, so plan how many packs you need
#3
LiposomalWith B12 and folate
Vee Ferro Liposomal Iron – 30 capsules
Liposomal iron with blood-building vitamins
EGP 305
EGP 10.2 per capsule · 30 capsules
- The page lists liposomal iron with 400 mcg folic acid, B6, B12, zinc and copper
- One capsule a day; 30 capsules last a month
- EGP 305, about EGP 10 a day
Heads-up: The iron amount on the page is unclear: the supplement facts image says 200 mg liposomal iron and the Arabic text says 17 mg; check the pack or ask a pharmacist
Liquid iron, and lactoferrin without iron
#4
LiquidSugar free
Nature’s Way Liquid Iron – 480 ml
For people who cannot swallow capsules
EGP 1,400
EGP 2.9 per ml · 480 ml
- The pack says 18 mg iron per serving, berry flavoured and sugar free
- The pack says 1 tablespoon a day, 32 servings per bottle
- The page says ferrous gluconate, vegan
Heads-up: The page says 1 teaspoon (5 ml) but the pack says 1 tablespoon, so follow the pack or a pharmacist; it is the priciest option here, about EGP 44 per serving
#5
No ironMilk protein
Dulefer Lactoferrin 100 mg – 14 sachets
An option if iron upsets your stomach
EGP 200
EGP 14.3 per sachet · 14 sachets
- The page says 100 mg lactoferrin per sachet, a milk protein that binds iron; it contains no iron
- The page says 1 sachet a day for prevention, 2 a day for iron deficiency as your doctor advises
- Orange flavour, sugar free
Heads-up: Not suitable for milk-protein allergy; at 2 sachets a day a pack lasts only a week
#6
Iron + lactoferrin
Iron Support Bundle: Ferrocal Forte + Dulefer
Both products together for less
EGP 350
See size on product page
- The bundle has Ferrocal Forte (20 capsules) and Dulefer (14 sachets)
- Bought separately they cost EGP 370; the bundle is EGP 350
- The page says the two are taken together
Heads-up: Not everyone needs both; ask your doctor first whether iron alone is enough
For children: vitamin syrups with iron
The NHS says an iron overdose can be fatal for a young child. These two syrups are multivitamins with iron, not anaemia treatments; get the dose for your child’s age from a paediatrician. For general vitamins, see our kids’ vitamins by age.
#7
For children3.33 mg iron per 5 ml
Mr. Bear Plus Multi-Vitamin + Iron – 160 ml
A vitamin syrup with a little iron for children
EGP 145
EGP 0.9 per ml · 160 ml
- The page lists per 5 ml: iron 3.33 mg plus vitamins A, C, D and B
- The page says 10 ml after breakfast
- EGP 145 for 160 ml
Heads-up: This is a multivitamin, not an anaemia treatment, and the age is not stated; get your child’s dose from a paediatrician
#8
For childrenOrange syrupCheapest
Egy Totavit Syrup – Iron & Vitamins
The cheapest syrup with iron
EGP 65
See size on product page
- The page lists iron plus vitamins A, B, C, D, E and calcium
- Orange flavoured, by Egyphar
- EGP 65
Heads-up: The iron amount and bottle size are not on the page; get the child’s dose from a doctor or pharmacist
Comparison table
| Product | Iron per dose | Form | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrocal Forte – 20 capsules | 30 mg | Soft gel | EGP 170 | EGP 8.5 |
| Mr. Bear Plus Multi-Vitamin + Iron – 160 ml | 6.66 mg in 10 ml | Kids’ syrup | EGP 145 | EGP 9.1 |
| Vee Ferro Liposomal Iron – 30 capsules | Unclear | Capsule | EGP 305 | EGP 10.2 |
| Sleevar Iron – 30 capsules | 45 mg | Capsule | EGP 390 | EGP 13.0 |
| Dulefer Lactoferrin 100 mg – 14 sachets | No iron | Sachets | EGP 200 | EGP 14.3 |
| Nature’s Way Liquid Iron – 480 ml | 18 mg | Liquid | EGP 1,400 | EGP 43.8 |
| Iron Support Bundle: Ferrocal Forte + Dulefer | 30 mg + lactoferrin | Soft gel + sachets | EGP 350 | — |
| Egy Totavit Syrup – Iron & Vitamins | Not stated | Kids’ syrup | EGP 65 | — |
Per-day price uses the dose on the page or pack: 1 capsule, 1 tablespoon of Liquid Iron, 1 Dulefer sachet, or 10 ml of Mr. Bear.
How to take iron the right way
- Empty stomach: the US National Library of Medicine says iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach; if it causes cramps or nausea, take it with a little food.
- Orange juice: the NHS says drinking orange juice after a tablet may help absorption.
- At least 2 hours apart: from milk, calcium and antacids, per the US National Library of Medicine.
- Tea and coffee: do not have them with iron, or high-fibre food such as bran at the same time.
- How long: the same source says blood counts usually return to normal after about 2 months, and iron continues for another 6 to 12 months to refill stores; your doctor decides.
Common mistakes
- Iron without a test: tiredness is not always anaemia, and too much iron is harmful.
- Two products with iron: a multivitamin with iron plus an iron supplement can raise the dose; the NHS says more than 20 mg can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
- Stopping early: feeling better does not mean your stores are full; finish the course your doctor set and repeat the test.
- Ignoring the cause: if there is no clear cause such as heavy periods or pregnancy, a doctor may test a stool sample for hidden blood.
- Medicines with iron: the US National Library of Medicine says iron may reduce the effect of tetracycline, penicillin, ciprofloxacin and some medicines for Parkinson’s disease and seizures.
Important safety notes
- The NHS says 17 mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause harm; take more only if a doctor advises it.
- Keep iron out of children’s reach; the same source says an overdose in a young child can be fatal. If a child swallows an iron pill, go to emergency care straight away.
- Black stools are normal with iron, but if they look tarry, have red streaks, or you have sharp stomach pain, call your doctor straight away.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease, or take medicines, ask your doctor before any iron supplement.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button and send your test result, the dose your doctor wrote and any medicines you take, and they will help you choose.
FAQ
What is the best iron supplement for anaemia in Egypt?
It depends on the dose your doctor sets after a blood test. The highest dose here is Sleevar Iron 45 mg, the cheapest capsule is Ferrocal Forte 30 mg at EGP 170, and Liquid Iron suits people who cannot swallow capsules.
How much iron do I need a day?
Per the NHS: 8.7 mg for men aged 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women aged 19 to 49, and 8.7 mg for women aged 50 and over.
How long does iron treatment for anaemia take?
The NHS says iron tablets are usually taken for about 6 months; the US National Library of Medicine says blood counts usually recover after about 2 months and iron continues to refill stores.
When should I take iron?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach; take it with a little food if it causes nausea, and keep 2 hours away from milk, calcium and antacids.
Does iron cause constipation?
Yes, side effects include constipation or diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and darker stools, per the NHS. Taking it with or after food may reduce them.
Does lactoferrin contain iron?
No. Lactoferrin is a milk protein that binds iron, and Dulefer contains no iron, per the product page.
Does tea stop iron absorption?
The NHS advises limiting tea, coffee and milk because they reduce iron absorption, so do not drink them with your iron dose.
Read next: signs of low iron, B12 and vitamin D, and which test and vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
The bottom line
Get a full blood count first and let your doctor set the dose. For a high dose there is Sleevar Iron, for a medium dose at a low price Ferrocal Forte, for those who cannot swallow capsules Liquid Iron, and if iron upsets your stomach ask about Dulefer. Take it on an empty stomach away from tea and milk, and finish the course.
Shop minerals and iron at Beseha →
Sources
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
