Iron deficiency anaemia affects up to 40% of pregnant women worldwide — and finding a gentle, effective iron supplement that doesn't cause constipation or stomach upset can feel like an impossible task.
If you've been recommended Floradix or are searching for a gentler alternative to traditional iron tablets, this guide will help you understand your options and why capsule-based iron bisglycinate might be the solution you've been looking for.
Why iron matters in pregnancy (and why so many women struggle)
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by up to 50% to support your growing baby and placenta. This dramatic expansion means you need significantly more iron to produce haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body and to your baby.
When iron stores run low, you may experience:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Breathlessness and dizziness
- Pale skin and brittle nails
- Difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")
- Increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Postpartum depression and delayed recovery
The challenge? Many iron supplements cause uncomfortable side effects — nausea, constipation, stomach cramps — making it difficult to stay consistent with supplementation.
Floradix: the liquid iron supplement many women try first
Floradix has been a popular choice for decades, particularly among women seeking a "natural" iron supplement. It's a liquid formula containing iron gluconate, B vitamins, vitamin C, and herbal extracts.
Floradix advantages:
- Liquid format may be easier to digest for some
- Contains vitamin C to enhance absorption
- Includes B vitamins for energy support
- Pleasant taste (fruit-based)
Floradix drawbacks:
- Requires refrigeration after opening — inconvenient for travel or busy lifestyles
- Messy to measure and pour — risk of spills and staining
- Contains added sugars — fruit concentrates and honey increase sugar content
- Bulky bottle — not ideal for handbag or travel
- Iron gluconate — less absorbable than iron bisglycinate, may still cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals
- Price per dose — can be expensive over a full pregnancy
The Energy Capsule: a mess-free, gentle iron alternative
The Energy Capsule was specifically formulated to address the common frustrations women experience with traditional iron supplements — including liquid formulas like Floradix.
What makes The Energy Capsule different?
1. Iron bisglycinate — the gentlest, most absorbable form
Unlike iron gluconate (Floradix) or ferrous sulfate (most pharmacy brands), iron bisglycinate is chelated, meaning it's bound to amino acids that protect it as it passes through your digestive system. This results in:
- Higher absorption rates (up to 4x better than ferrous sulfate)
- Significantly less constipation and stomach upset
- Better tolerance, even on an empty stomach
2. Capsule convenience — no mess, no refrigeration
Take your iron anywhere, anytime. No measuring, no spills, no sticky bottles. Perfect for:
- Busy mornings when you're rushing out the door
- Travel (no refrigeration needed)
- Keeping in your handbag for on-the-go dosing
- Avoiding the metallic taste some liquid irons leave behind
3. Comprehensive blood health formula
The Energy Capsule doesn't just deliver iron — it provides a complete blood-building complex:
- Iron bisglycinate — for haemoglobin production and oxygen transport
- Vitamin B12 & Methylfolate — essential for red blood cell formation (methylfolate is the active form your body uses immediately)
- Vitamin C — enhances iron absorption by up to 300%
- Beetroot extract — naturally supports blood flow, nitric oxide production, and cardiovascular health
4. No added sugar or unnecessary fillers
Clean, focused nutrition. No fruit concentrates, no honey, no artificial flavours. Just the nutrients you need in their most effective forms.
5. Doctor-formulated for pregnancy
Every ingredient is chosen based on clinical research and safety for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Designed by doctors who understand women's health.
Head-to-head comparison: The Energy Capsule vs Floradix
| Feature | The Energy Capsule | Floradix |
|---|---|---|
| Iron form | Iron bisglycinate (highly absorbable, gentle) | Iron gluconate (moderate absorption) |
| Format | Capsules (mess-free, portable) | Liquid (requires measuring, refrigeration) |
| Digestive tolerance | Excellent — minimal constipation risk | Good — but may still cause upset in sensitive individuals |
| Absorption enhancers | Vitamin C included | Vitamin C included |
| B vitamins | B12 + Methylfolate (active forms) | B vitamins included |
| Added sugar | None | Yes (fruit concentrates, honey) |
| Convenience | Travel-friendly, no refrigeration | Bulky, requires refrigeration after opening |
| Pregnancy-specific formulation | Yes — doctor-formulated | General use (suitable for pregnancy) |
Who should choose The Energy Capsule?
The Energy Capsule is ideal if you:
- Have been diagnosed with iron deficiency or anaemia during pregnancy
- Experience constipation or stomach upset with traditional iron supplements
- Want a mess-free, travel-friendly alternative to liquid iron
- Prefer a sugar-free, clean formulation
- Need comprehensive blood health support (iron + B12 + folate + vitamin C)
- Are postpartum and recovering from blood loss during delivery
- Have a busy lifestyle and need convenient, on-the-go supplementation
How to take The Energy Capsule for best results
Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Timing tips:
- Take with a source of vitamin C (citrus, berries, capsicum) to maximise absorption
- Avoid taking with tea, coffee, or calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks) as these can inhibit iron absorption
- Space iron supplements at least 2 hours away from calcium or magnesium supplements
- Consistency is key — take at the same time each day to build a routine
What to expect: Most women notice improved energy levels within 2-4 weeks of consistent supplementation. Your healthcare provider will likely retest your iron levels after 8-12 weeks to assess progress.
Can you take The Energy Capsule if you're already taking a prenatal multivitamin?
Yes — in fact, this is common and often necessary. Most prenatal multivitamins contain only small amounts of iron (often 15-27mg), which may not be sufficient if you have diagnosed anaemia or low iron stores.
The Energy Capsule provides therapeutic-level iron alongside synergistic nutrients (B12, folate, vitamin C) to support red blood cell production and absorption. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage for your individual needs.
The bottom line: choosing the right iron supplement for you
Both Floradix and The Energy Capsule are quality iron supplements — but they serve different needs and lifestyles.
If you value convenience, want the gentlest possible iron form, prefer a sugar-free formulation, and need a supplement that fits seamlessly into a busy life, The Energy Capsule is the clear choice.
If you prefer liquid supplements and don't mind refrigeration or measuring, Floradix may still work for you — though you may find the iron bisglycinate in The Energy Capsule offers superior tolerance and absorption.
Ready to support your energy and blood health?
The Energy Capsule is doctor-formulated, pregnancy-safe, and designed for real women navigating real-life challenges. No mess, no constipation, no compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iron bisglycinate better than iron gluconate (Floradix)?
Yes, for most people. Iron bisglycinate is chelated (bound to amino acids), which protects it during digestion and results in higher absorption rates and significantly fewer side effects like constipation and nausea compared to iron gluconate or ferrous sulfate.
Can I take The Energy Capsule if I'm not pregnant?
Absolutely. The Energy Capsule is suitable for any woman experiencing low iron, fatigue, or anaemia — whether you're postpartum, menstruating heavily, or simply need iron support. It's also safe during breastfeeding.
How long does it take to see results from iron supplementation?
Most women notice improved energy and reduced fatigue within 2-4 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, it can take 8-12 weeks to fully replenish iron stores, which is why your healthcare provider will typically retest your levels after this period.
Will The Energy Capsule cause constipation?
Iron bisglycinate is the gentlest form of iron available and is significantly less likely to cause constipation compared to ferrous sulfate or even iron gluconate. Most women tolerate it very well, even those who have struggled with other iron supplements.
Do I need to take The Energy Capsule with food?
While iron bisglycinate is gentle enough to take on an empty stomach, we recommend taking it with food to further minimise any potential digestive discomfort. Pair it with a vitamin C-rich food (like citrus or berries) to enhance absorption.
Can I take The Energy Capsule alongside my prenatal multivitamin?
Yes. Most prenatal multivitamins contain only small amounts of iron (15-27mg), which may not be sufficient if you have diagnosed anaemia or low iron stores. The Energy Capsule provides therapeutic-level iron to address deficiency. Always consult your healthcare provider about the right dosage for your needs.