Thorne Iron Bisglycinate vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C

Q: Which is better, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate or Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 84/100 while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C scores 70/100 in our analysis. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is the higher-rated product overall.

Q: Is Thorne Iron Bisglycinate worth the price compared to Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 68.0/100 for value, while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C scores 70.0/100. Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C delivers better value overall.

Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Thorne Iron Bisglycinate and Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C.

Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Based on 72 reviews

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84.0

Score Summary

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 84.0/100 vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C at 70.0/100. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, side effects. Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C is stronger on value for money.

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C: What Does the Data Say?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg uses a 25mg elemental iron dose in bisglycinate form known as Ferrochel while SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30 Strawberry Flavour Gummies delivers just 2.5mg per gummy at 18 percent NRV with added vitamin C. The first comes as capsules the second as chewable gummies in strawberry flavour. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg scores 84.0/100 overall and 84.0/100 on effectiveness against 70.0/100 for both on SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30 Strawberry Flavour Gummies. Ingredient quality favours Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg at 93.0/100 over 60.0/100 yet value sits slightly higher for the gummies at 70.0/100 compared with 68.0/100.

Pick Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg if you deal with iron deficiency anaemia or low ferritin and want something gentle that avoids constipation or nausea. Users report clear rises in ferritin and haemoglobin from blood tests. Choose SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30 Strawberry Flavour Gummies for children aged 4 and over who need mild support or prevention especially picky eaters who reject standard supplements. The lower dose makes it unsuitable for treating diagnosed deficiency but the included vitamin C aids absorption and the taste encourages daily use on a tighter budget of eight pounds versus 16.99 for the capsules.

Practical points matter too. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg lacks built-in vitamin C so many pair it with ascorbic acid for better uptake and the 25mg amount can fall short for severe cases needing higher intake. SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30 Strawberry Flavour Gummies contain sugar glucose syrup and malt syrup as main ingredients which some families dislike. Capsule size feels standard while gummies prove far easier for compliance though they require chewing.

How Do the Scores Compare?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg

SmartKids Iron with Vitamin...

	Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg Thorne	SmartKids Iron with Vitamin... Bioglan
Overall Score	84.0	70.0
Effectiveness	84.0/100 Best	70.0/100
Ingredient Quality	93.0/100 Best	60.0/100
Value for Money	68.0/100	70.0/100 Best
Side Effects	93.0/100 Best	80.0/100
Certifications	91.0/100 Best	30.0/100
Best Price	£16.99 Amazon UK →	£8.00 Holland & Barrett → Cheapest
Price per Serving	£0.28 60 servings	N/A
Form	Capsules	chewables
Dose	25mg elemental iron	None
Third-Party Tested	✓ Yes	✗ No
Reviews Analysed	68	4

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate 25mg

Pros

✓Bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) form is highly bioavailable and consistently reported as gentle on the stomach with no constipation or nausea
✓Measurable improvements in ferritin and hemoglobin confirmed by multiple reviewers via blood tests
✓NSF Certified for Sport — independently verified for purity and label accuracy
✓Ultra-clean formula: only pharmaceutical-grade excipients, no magnesium stearate, fully vegan and allergen-free

Cons

✗No vitamin C included — absorption is suboptimal without pairing with ascorbic acid (users note this and add their own)
✗25 mg dose may be insufficient for severe iron deficiency recovery; therapeutic correction often requires higher daily intake
✗Premium pricing — noticeably more expensive per serving than ferrous sulfate or gluconate alternatives
✗At least one reviewer with chronic severe malabsorption found no improvement, ultimately requiring IV iron infusion

Best For

Women with iron deficiency anaemia or low ferritin Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle iron support People who have experienced GI side effects (constipation, nausea) with ferrous sulfate Athletes requiring NSF Certified for Sport supplements Vegans seeking a clean, allergen-free iron source Those looking to maintain iron levels rather than recover from severe deficiency

Amazon UK £16.99

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SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30...

Pros

✓Highly palatable strawberry flavour that children enjoy and request
✓Easy compliance—makes supplementing iron simple for picky eaters
✓Vitamin C inclusion enhances iron absorption and supports immune function
✓Convenient once-daily gummy format suitable from age 4

Cons

✗Low iron dose (2.5 mg per gummy, only 18% NRV) may be insufficient for treating diagnosed iron deficiency
✗Contains sugar, glucose syrup, and malt syrup as primary ingredients
✗Includes palm oil and multiple additives (glazing agents, colours)
✗No third-party testing verification or quality certifications mentioned

Best For

Children aged 4+ with mild iron needs or as preventative supplementation Picky eaters who refuse traditional iron supplements Families seeking palatable daily iron maintenance for growing children Children with slightly increased iron requirements (growth spurts, limited meat intake)

Holland & Barrett £8.00

View full review →

Score Breakdown: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate Winner 84.0/100

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate delivers 25 mg of elemental iron in the Ferrochel® chelated bisglycinate form, widely praised in reviews for being exceptionally gentle on the digestive system — no nausea, constipation, or metallic aftertaste that commonly plague ferrous sulfate alternatives.

Effectiveness

Thorne Iron Bisg..

84.0/100

SmartKids Iron w..

70.0/100

Ingredient Quality

Thorne Iron Bisg..

93.0/100

SmartKids Iron w..

60.0/100

Value for Money

Thorne Iron Bisg..

68.0/100

SmartKids Iron w..

70.0/100

Side Effects

Thorne Iron Bisg..

93.0/100

SmartKids Iron w..

80.0/100

Certifications

Thorne Iron Bisg..

91.0/100

SmartKids Iron w..

30.0/100

What are the key differences?

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is best for: Women with iron deficiency anaemia or low ferritin, Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle iron support

Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C is best for: Children aged 4+ with mild iron needs or as preventative supplementation, Picky eaters who refuse traditional iron supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate or Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C? ▼

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 84.0/100 overall while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C scores 70.0/100. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate comes out ahead, scoring higher on effectiveness (84.0 vs 70.0). Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is best suited for Women with iron deficiency anaemia or low ferritin and Pregnant or postpartum women needing gentle iron support. Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C is better for Children aged 4+ with mild iron needs or as preventative supplementation and Picky eaters who refuse traditional iron supplements.

Is Thorne Iron Bisglycinate worth the price compared to Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C? ▼

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate costs £16.99 while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C is £8.00. For value, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 68.0/100 vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C's 70.0/100. Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C delivers better value relative to its quality. Note that Thorne Iron Bisglycinate comes as capsules while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C is chewables, which may affect your preference.

Which has fewer side effects? ▼

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 93.0/100 for side effects (higher means fewer reported issues) while Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C scores 80.0/100. Reviewers report fewer side effects with Thorne Iron Bisglycinate. For certification and testing, Thorne Iron Bisglycinate scores 91.0/100 vs Bioglan SmartKids Iron + Vitamin C's 30.0/100. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.