May 28, 2025 3 min read

Abundant Earth Iron Free Multivitamin for Men and Women

Why We Leave Iron Out of Our Multivitamins (and Why You Should Too)

 

At Abundant Earth, we believe that every ingredient in a supplement should be there for a reason, and that includes what we don’t include. One of the most common questions we get is: "Why doesn't your multivitamin contain iron?"

The short answer: because the science says it shouldn't.

 

The Problem with Iron in Multivitamins

Iron is an essential mineral. It supports oxygen transport, energy production, and overall vitality. We are pro-iron! But when it comes to multivitamins, more isn't always better.

Multiple studies have shown that iron competes for absorption with other minerals commonly found in multivitamins, especially calcium and zinc. For example, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that calcium significantly inhibits iron absorption when taken together¹ (Hallberg et al., 1991).

Iron fighting with calcium

That means when iron is bundled into a multivitamin that also contains calcium, magnesium, and zinc (such as our robust formula), your body may not absorb much of the iron at all. This interaction has fueled growing awareness around multivitamin and iron absorption and whether it’s wise to combine them in one formula.

 

What the Research Recommends

Emerging guidance from nutrition science now suggests that iron should be taken separately from multivitamins for maximum benefit. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach and away from calcium-rich foods or supplements² (NIH Fact Sheet on Iron).

Iron Supplement Bottle

If you’re wondering, should I take iron with my multivitamin?—the best approach is to use a high-quality iron free multivitamin and, if needed, a separate iron supplement taken at least 4 hours apart. This ensures better nutrient bioavailability and supports optimal absorption.

 

Who Needs Extra Iron?

Not everyone needs to supplement with iron. In fact:

  • Most men and postmenopausal women get enough iron through diet alone.

  • Women of childbearing age, athletes, or individuals with diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia may (and often DO) benefit from a separate iron supplement.

  • Your healthcare provider can run a simple blood test to determine if you’re low.

By keeping our Whole Food Multivitamin iron-free, we give you the flexibility to supplement iron only if you need it, and if so, to take it separately so it is most effective.

Pregnant woman taking a multivitamin prenatal

 

The Abundant Earth Approach

We formulate with purpose and effectiveness. That means using the most bioavailable forms of nutrients, avoiding fillers, and following the best of current nutrition science. Our Iron-Free Whole Food Multivitamin is packed with highly absorbable and methylated B vitamins, chelated minerals, and real organic food sources, without the ingredient clashes that limit absorption.

For those searching for the best iron free multivitamin for women and men, we believe the answer lies in thoughtful formulation, not just more ingredients.

Because better absorption = better results.

Happy couple in their 50s outside

In Summary

Including iron in a multivitamin may sound convenient, but it’s not effective. Iron simply doesn’t play well with others. That’s why we keep it out, so everything else in your multivitamin can work better for you.

If you need iron, take it separately. If you want a multivitamin that respects the science of nutrient absorption, you’re in the right place.

Iron-Free Whole Food Multivitamin

Formulated with organic food sources and the most bioavailable nutrients—without the iron conflicts. Gentle, complete, and MTHFR-friendly.

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Abundant Earth Organic Multivitamin for Women



References

  1. Hallberg, L., Brune, M., & Rossander, L. (1991). The role of vitamin C in iron absorption.The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53(1), 112–119.https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/53/1/112/4692114

  2. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021).Iron – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/