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Active Iron for Women vs Solgar Gentle Iron

Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Active Iron for Women and Solgar Gentle Iron.

Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Based on 71 reviews

Our Verdict: Active Iron for Women or Solgar Gentle Iron?

Active Iron for Women wins with a higher overall score (80 vs 77) and a more complete formula — adding B-vitamins for energy and hormonal balance alongside iron. However, at £12.64, Solgar's Gentle Iron is the better pick for budget-conscious shoppers who need a simple, stomach-friendly iron supplement without extras.

— AIScored Editorial Team

80.0
Score Summary

Active Iron for Women scores 80.0/100 vs Solgar Gentle Iron at 77.0/100. Active Iron for Women wins on effectiveness, value for money. Solgar Gentle Iron is stronger on ingredient quality and side effects.

Active Iron for Women vs Solgar Gentle Iron: What Does the Data Say?

Both of these are iron supplements aimed at people with sensitive stomachs, but they take different approaches. Active Iron for Women (£19.95, score 80/100) uses a whey protein matrix to slow iron absorption and reduce gut irritation, and it pairs the iron with a B-complex targeting energy and hormonal balance — making it more of a combined formula than a straightforward iron supplement. Solgar's Gentle Iron (£12.64, score 77/100) uses iron bisglycinate, a chelated form that's widely regarded as one of the most gentle and bioavailable options available, and keeps things simple with a single 20mg dose per capsule. Both skip third-party testing certification, which is worth noting if purity verification matters to you.

If you're looking for an all-in-one supplement that addresses tiredness and hormonal support alongside iron — and you're not vegan or dairy-free — Active Iron for Women is the more considered pick. Its formulation is designed to be taken on an empty stomach without the usual cramping, and the added B-vitamins mean you're getting more for your £19.95. If your only goal is raising ferritin or haemoglobin levels gently and cheaply, Solgar Gentle Iron does that job well for £12.64, with a strong track record from users who've seen confirmed blood test improvements.

The main practical caveat with Active Iron is the milk allergen — if you're vegan or lactose-intolerant, it's off the table entirely. Solgar's capsules are suitable for vegetarians and come in a 90-capsule pack, giving you a three-month supply at lower cost. The 20mg dose in Solgar's product is appropriate for mild deficiency or maintenance, but if your GP has flagged a more significant deficiency, you may need medical guidance on whether a single daily capsule is sufficient.

How Do the Scores Compare?

Active Iron for Women 60 Capsules
Gentle Iron 20mg 90 Vegi Capsules
Active Iron for Women 60 Capsules
Active Iron for Women 60 Capsules
Active Iron
Gentle Iron 20mg 90 Vegi Capsules
Gentle Iron 20mg 90 Vegi Capsules
Solgar
Overall Score 80.0 77.0
Effectiveness 90.0/100
Best
76.0/100
Ingredient Quality 80.0/100 86.0/100
Best
Value for Money 80.0/100
Best
66.0/100
Side Effects 90.0/100 91.0/100
Best
Certifications 50.0/100 60.0/100
Best
Best Price
£22.99
£20.46 Amazon UK →
-11% deal
£12.64 Amazon UK →
Cheapest
Form Capsule capsule
Dose None None
Third-Party Tested ✗ No ✗ No
Reviews Analysed 9 62

Active Iron for Women 60 Capsules

Pros

  • Non-constipating formulation addresses the most common side effect of iron supplements
  • Combines iron with targeted B-complex for energy support and hormonal balance
  • Gentle on stomach—tolerable on empty stomach, suitable for sensitive digestive systems
  • Fast-acting results reported within weeks of regular use

Cons

  • Not vegan; contains milk allergen, limiting for dietary restrictions
  • No third-party testing certification mentioned
  • Dual-product system (capsule + tablet) may be less convenient than all-in-one
  • Limited review volume (4 reviews) and all from single retailer

Best For

Women with iron deficiency or low iron borderline status Those with sensitive digestion or history of iron-induced constipation Women seeking energy support and hormonal balance together Active women with busy lifestyles needing convenient iron maintenance
View full review →

Gentle Iron 20mg 90 Vegi Capsules

Pros

  • Iron bisglycinate is among the most stomach-gentle and bioavailable forms of iron available
  • Overwhelming reviewer consensus: no constipation, nausea, or digestive discomfort
  • Effective at raising ferritin and haemoglobin levels, with multiple users citing confirmed blood test improvements
  • Well-tolerated by sensitive groups including pregnant women and those with IBS or autoimmune conditions

Cons

  • 20mg single daily dose may be insufficient for correcting significant iron deficiency without medical guidance to increase dosage
  • No confirmed third-party purity or potency testing (e.g. NSF, Informed Sport)
  • Premium Solgar pricing makes it considerably more expensive than generic iron supplements
  • Rare but present reports of GI discomfort, indicating bisglycinate does not suit every individual

Best For

Women with heavy periods or mild-to-moderate iron deficiency Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle, low-risk iron support People who experience constipation or nausea from standard ferrous sulfate tablets Those with IBS, IBD, SIBO, or other GI sensitivities requiring careful supplementation Vegetarians and vegans prone to lower dietary iron intake Maintenance supplementation after completing a course of prescribed iron treatment
View full review →

Score Breakdown: Active Iron for Women vs Solgar Gentle Iron

Active Iron for Women Winner 80.0/100

Active Iron for Women is a non-constipating iron supplement paired with B-complex vitamins, specifically formulated for women's nutritional needs.

Effectiveness
Active Iron for ..
90.0/100
Gentle Iron 20mg..
76.0/100
Ingredient Quality
Active Iron for ..
80.0/100
Gentle Iron 20mg..
86.0/100
Value for Money
Active Iron for ..
80.0/100
Gentle Iron 20mg..
66.0/100
Side Effects
Active Iron for ..
90.0/100
Gentle Iron 20mg..
91.0/100
Certifications
Active Iron for ..
50.0/100
Gentle Iron 20mg..
60.0/100

What are the key differences?

Active Iron for Women is best for: Women with iron deficiency or low iron borderline status, Those with sensitive digestion or history of iron-induced constipation
Solgar Gentle Iron is best for: Women with heavy periods or mild-to-moderate iron deficiency, Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle, low-risk iron support

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Active Iron for Women or Solgar Gentle Iron?
Active Iron for Women wins with a higher overall score (80 vs 77) and a more complete formula — adding B-vitamins for energy and hormonal balance alongside iron. However, at £12.64, Solgar's Gentle Iron is the better pick for budget-conscious shoppers who need a simple, stomach-friendly iron supplement without extras. Active Iron for Women scores 80.0/100 overall while Solgar Gentle Iron scores 77.0/100. Active Iron for Women comes out ahead, scoring higher on effectiveness (90.0 vs 76.0). Active Iron for Women is best suited for Women with iron deficiency or low iron borderline status and Those with sensitive digestion or history of iron-induced constipation. Solgar Gentle Iron is better for Women with heavy periods or mild-to-moderate iron deficiency and Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle, low-risk iron support.
Is Active Iron for Women worth the price compared to Solgar Gentle Iron?
Active Iron for Women costs £20.46 while Solgar Gentle Iron is £12.64. For value, Active Iron for Women scores 80.0/100 vs Solgar Gentle Iron's 66.0/100. Active Iron for Women delivers better value relative to its quality. Note that Active Iron for Women comes as capsule while Solgar Gentle Iron is capsule, which may affect your preference.
Which has fewer side effects?
Active Iron for Women scores 90.0/100 for side effects (higher means fewer reported issues) while Solgar Gentle Iron scores 91.0/100. Reviewers report fewer side effects with Solgar Gentle Iron. For certification and testing, Active Iron for Women scores 50.0/100 vs Solgar Gentle Iron's 60.0/100. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

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