Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – Highly Bioavailable Chelated Iron | Supports Energy, Red Blood Cell Production & Iron Levels, 60 Capsules

What Is Thorne Iron Bisglycinate?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate delivers 25 mg of iron per capsule as iron bisglycinate chelate (Ferrochel®) — iron chelated to two molecules of glycine via TRAACS® technology by Albion Minerals, the gold standard in mineral chelation. Iron bisglycinate is absorbed through the intestinal amino acid transport pathway rather than competing with other minerals for the same ion channels, resulting in significantly higher bioavailability and dramatically reduced GI side effects compared to ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferric forms. This is the iron supplement preferred by integrative medicine practitioners for individuals who need effective iron repletion without the constipation, nausea, and dark stool typically associated with standard iron supplements. NSF Certified for Sport® — verified free from banned substances.

What Does Iron Bisglycinate Do?

• Supports Healthy Iron Levels & Iron Repletion — Iron is an essential trace mineral required for the synthesis of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) and myoglobin (the oxygen-storing protein in muscle tissue). Maintaining adequate iron stores prevents iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia — the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide
• Red Blood Cell Production & Oxygen Transport — Iron is the central atom of the heme group in hemoglobin, enabling red blood cells to bind and transport oxygen from the lungs to every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. Adequate iron ensures efficient oxygen delivery and CO2 removal, supporting cardiovascular and respiratory function
• Energy Production & Reduction of Fatigue — Iron is a required cofactor in mitochondrial cytochromes — the electron transport chain proteins that drive cellular ATP synthesis. Iron deficiency directly impairs mitochondrial energy production, causing the profound fatigue, weakness, exercise intolerance, and cognitive impairment characteristic of iron deficiency, even before anemia develops
• Cognitive Function & Brain Health — Iron is essential for the synthesis of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine — neurotransmitters critical for mood, motivation, focus, and cognitive performance. Iron deficiency impairs neurotransmitter synthesis and is associated with attention deficits, poor memory, and low mood
• Immune Function — Iron is required for the proliferation and maturation of immune cells, including lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Adequate iron supports a robust immune response while iron deficiency compromises immune competence
• Thyroid Function — Iron is a cofactor for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) — the enzyme essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. Iron deficiency impairs TPO activity and can reduce thyroid hormone production even when iodine is adequate
• Iron Bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) — Why It’s Superior — Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate is absorbed as an intact chelate via the peptide/amino acid transport system, bypassing the competitive ion channels used by inorganic iron salts. This results in: (1) higher tissue iron delivery per mg consumed, (2) significantly less GI irritation, constipation, and nausea, (3) less interaction with other minerals and foods, and (4) reduced oxidative stress in the gut compared to free ionic iron

Iron Bisglycinate vs. Common Iron Forms

• vs. Ferrous Sulfate — Ferrous sulfate is the most prescribed iron supplement but has notoriously poor tolerability (constipation, nausea, GI cramping) and moderate bioavailability. Iron bisglycinate achieves comparable or superior iron repletion with far fewer GI side effects
• vs. Ferric Iron (Ferric Citrate, Ferric Sulfate) — Ferric (Fe³⁺) iron must be reduced to ferrous (Fe²⁺) before absorption — an inefficient process that results in poor bioavailability. Iron bisglycinate is absorbed directly as a chelate, bypassing this rate-limiting reduction step
• vs. Ferrous Fumarate — Similar bioavailability to ferrous sulfate but with similar GI tolerability issues. Iron bisglycinate offers superior tolerability with equivalent or better iron delivery

Who Should Take This?

• Women of childbearing age with higher iron requirements due to menstrual blood loss
• Pregnant and postpartum women with elevated iron needs (consult healthcare provider)
• Vegans and vegetarians relying exclusively on non-heme iron sources with inherently lower bioavailability
• Endurance athletes (particularly female runners) prone to exercise-induced iron depletion via hemolysis, sweat losses, and increased GI transit
• Individuals diagnosed with iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia under medical supervision
• Anyone who has experienced GI intolerance with standard iron supplements (ferrous sulfate)
• Competitive athletes requiring NSF Certified for Sport® verified iron supplementation

How to Use

Take 1 capsule daily with a meal, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. To optimize iron absorption, avoid taking with calcium supplements, dairy products, antacids, coffee, tea, or high-phytate foods (bran, whole grains) within 2 hours. Pairing with a Vitamin C-rich food or a separate Vitamin C supplement can further enhance non-heme iron absorption. For best results, use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner who can monitor iron levels via periodic blood testing (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC).

Product Highlights

• 25 mg Iron as Ferrochel® Iron Bisglycinate Chelate (TRAACS®) per capsule
• Highest bioavailability chelated iron — gentle on the stomach, no constipation
• Supports Iron Levels, Energy, Red Blood Cell Production & Cognitive Function
• Superior to ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferric forms
• 60 Capsules — 60-day supply at 1 capsule/day
• NSF Certified for Sport® | No unnecessary excipients
• From Thorne — trusted by healthcare practitioners worldwide