No, they are not. When taking an iron supplement, it is important to check the amount of elemental iron per dose. Many supplements containing iron have only small amounts of elemental iron per dose, often less than 24mg. These are a dietary supplement only and are not intended for the treatment of iron deficiency.

If your iron treatment causes constipation, try Maltofer.  Maltofer contains 100 mg of elemental iron per dose, in the form of iron polymaltose which provides an adequate amount of iron to treat iron deficiency when taken as directed by your healthcare professional. Be sure to check if your current iron supplement is delivering enough elemental iron for your needs.

You should discuss this question with your doctor or pharmacist, as this will be variable depending on your individual circumstances.

Generally speaking, it may take a few weeks for iron tablets to start working and may take 3-6 months for full iron correction. It is important to take your iron treatment as recommended so you can get back to feeling like you again.

Maltofer is used for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over) and it is also used for the prevention of iron deficiency in high-risk adults and adolescents where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated or otherwise inappropriate.

Iron deficiency occurs when the body fails to absorb enough iron, often due to not enough iron being absorbed from food, although it can also be caused by a number of other health conditions.

Iron is an important nutrient for your physical and mental health and for keeping your energy levels up. It is also needed to keep your immune system healthy, aiding your ability to fight off infections.

Active ingredients:

• Maltofer Iron Tablets: 100 mg iron as 370 mg iron polymaltose
• Maltofer Iron Syrup: 100 mg iron per 10 mL as 370 mg iron polymaltose

You should always take Maltofer exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed. Consult with them if you are unsure.

For treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over), take 1-2 tablets or 10-20 mL of syrup (100-200 mg iron) daily, preferably with food.

For prevention of iron deficiency in high-risk adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over), take 1 tablet or 10 mL of syrup (100 mg iron) daily, preferably with food.

Higher doses may be taken as directed by your medical practitioner.

Maltofer may be used in pregnancy but it is important to speak to your healthcare professional first. Clinical studies have shown that Maltofer corrects iron deficiency in pregnant women with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Please discuss with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before you start taking Maltofer.

For more information on the importance of iron in pregnancy, please see our page on iron deficiency in pregnancy.

No, not with Maltofer. In fact, iron absorption actually increases when Maltofer is taken with food. Maltofer also does not require vitamin C for optimal absorption.

Other ferrous iron products are generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach since some common foods can interfere with iron absorption of ferrous salts. This is true for even very simple foods/drinks, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk.

Maltofer, on the other hand, can be taken at any time with food, without affecting the absorption of iron.

Yes, Maltofer is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it contains no ingredients of animal origin.

Maltofer is lactose free, gluten free, dairy free, soy free and yeast free.