Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 60 Caps

What is Thorne Iron Bisglycinate and who is it for?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is a chelated iron supplement designed for individuals who need reliable iron support without the gastrointestinal upset common with conventional iron supplements. It’s formulated for vegetarians and vegans, menstruating individuals, those with increased iron demands, people with digestive sensitivity, and anyone seeking a gentler approach to iron supplementation. Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and red blood cell formation—yet many people struggle with standard iron supplements because ferrous sulfate and similar forms cause constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Ferrasorb® (iron bisglycinate) addresses this by binding iron to the amino acid glycine, creating a form your body absorbs efficiently without the digestive side effects.

Why choose iron bisglycinate over standard iron supplements?

Think of iron absorption like a security checkpoint. Standard ferrous sulfate is like trying to rush through without credentials—it causes friction, triggers defensive responses (constipation, nausea), and doesn’t always make it through efficiently. Iron bisglycinate is like having the right credentials. The glycine chelation allows iron to bypass many of the absorption barriers that cause digestive upset.

Ferrous sulfate, the most common form, is poorly tolerated by 10-15% of users and causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal effects in many others. Iron bisglycinate achieves superior bioavailability—how much your body actually uses—while being significantly gentler on the intestinal lining. This matters especially for people with sensitive digestion, those taking multiple supplements, or individuals who need consistent supplementation over weeks or months. The chelated form reduces the irritation caused by free iron ions, which is why traditional iron supplements upset digestion so frequently.

How does it work?

Iron bisglycinate works through a mechanism called chelation. The iron molecule is bound to glycine (an amino acid), creating a stable complex that your intestinal cells recognize and transport efficiently. This bypasses the irritation caused by free iron ions, which is why traditional iron supplements upset digestion.

Iron absorption and transport: Once absorbed, iron becomes part of your red blood cells, where it binds to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Without adequate iron, your cells can’t access the oxygen they need for energy production, leading to fatigue and reduced physical performance. The chelated form ensures more iron reaches your bloodstream rather than irritating your GI tract.

Red blood cell formation: Iron is a central component of hemoglobin, the protein that gives red blood cells their oxygen-carrying capacity. Adequate iron status supports normal red blood cell production and function. This is why iron deficiency manifests as fatigue—your cells literally cannot access enough oxygen to produce the energy they need.

Energy metabolism support: Iron participates in multiple enzymatic pathways involved in cellular energy production (ATP synthesis). It’s a cofactor in cytochrome oxidase and other critical enzymes. When iron status is adequate, your mitochondria can function optimally, supporting sustained energy throughout the day and during physical activity.

What can this support?

This formula provides nutritional support for:

Dietary iron insufficiency: Vegetarians, vegans, and individuals eating primarily plant-based diets often have lower iron intake. Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable than animal-based iron, making supplementation valuable for maintaining healthy iron status without relying on animal products.

Energy and physical performance: Iron is central to oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Athletes, active individuals, and those experiencing fatigue related to iron status benefit from reliable iron support. Better iron status supports sustained energy throughout the day and during physical activity.

Menstruating individuals: Menstrual blood loss increases iron needs significantly. People with heavy or prolonged periods may benefit from additional iron support to maintain healthy iron stores and prevent iron depletion over time, particularly if dietary intake is already modest.

Digestive sensitivity: People with IBS, inflammatory bowel conditions, or general gastrointestinal sensitivity often cannot tolerate standard iron supplements. Iron bisglycinate’s gentle formulation allows these individuals to supplement without exacerbating digestive issues or causing constipation.

Recovery and resilience: Individuals recovering from blood loss, surgery, or illness may need iron support. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate provides a reliable, well-tolerated option during recovery phases when digestive tolerance is important and nutrient absorption may be compromised.

Consistent supplementation needs: Some individuals need iron support over extended periods. The gentle nature of iron bisglycinate makes long-term use more sustainable than conventional forms, which many people eventually discontinue due to side effects.

Common questions

Will this cause constipation like my previous iron supplement?
Iron bisglycinate is significantly less likely to cause constipation than ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate. The chelated form is gentler on your gastrointestinal tract, and many users report normal bowel function while taking it. If constipation does occur, it’s typically mild and manageable with adequate hydration and fiber intake.

How long does it take to see results?
Iron stores build gradually. You may notice improved energy within 2-4 weeks as circulating iron levels increase. Full iron store repletion typically takes 8-12 weeks, depending on your starting point and individual absorption. Consistency matters more than immediate results—taking your supplement regularly is more important than timing.

Can I take this with food?
Yes. While iron absorption is generally enhanced in acidic conditions, iron bisglycinate is well-absorbed with or without food due to its chelated form. If you experience any stomach sensitivity, taking it with a light meal is fine. Avoid taking it with calcium supplements or dairy products within 2 hours, as calcium can reduce iron absorption.

Is this appropriate for men or only for women?
While iron supplementation is more commonly needed by menstruating individuals, men can also benefit—particularly vegetarians, athletes, or those with specific health needs. Men generally require less iron than menstruating women (8 mg vs 18 mg daily), so discuss appropriate dosing with a healthcare practitioner.

Can I take this long-term?
Iron supplementation should be based on individual need and monitored periodically. Some people need it temporarily during specific life phases; others benefit from ongoing support. Work with a practitioner to monitor your iron status through periodic assessment and adjust supplementation accordingly. Taking excessive iron long-term without demonstrated need can cause iron accumulation.

What makes iron bisglycinate different from other iron forms?
Iron bisglycinate (Ferrasorb®) is a patented chelated form where iron is bound to glycine. This binding protects the iron from interactions in your digestive tract that would normally cause irritation, while allowing your intestinal cells to absorb it efficiently. It achieves superior bioavailability with minimal gastrointestinal side effects—a combination that standard iron salts simply cannot match.

Key Features

• Iron bisglycinate (Ferrasorb®)—highly absorbable chelated form that minimizes gastrointestinal upset
• 25 mg elemental iron per capsule—a therapeutic dose for meaningful supplementation
• NSF Certified for Sport—third-party tested for purity, potency, and banned substance screening
• Free from artificial colours, flavours, and unnecessary additives
• Gentle on digestion—non-constipating formula suitable for sensitive digestive systems
• 60 capsules per bottle for convenient daily dosing
• Hypoallergenic plant-based capsule shell
• Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO

Suggested Use

Take one capsule daily with or without food, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. For optimal absorption, take in the morning on an empty stomach if tolerated; if stomach sensitivity occurs, take with food. Do not exceed recommended dosage without practitioner guidance. Iron supplementation should be monitored; periodic iron status assessment is recommended to ensure continued need and appropriate dosing.

Ingredients (per capsule)

• Iron (as iron bisglycinate/Ferrasorb®) – 25 mg

Other ingredients: Hypoallergenic plant cellulose capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, silica.
Free from: Gluten, soy, dairy, artificial additives, and GMOs.

These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.