The 12 Best Supplements, According to a Dietitian

Iron can be a common nutrient that you may not get enough of in the diet, especially for women. Women with heavy periods, those who are pregnant, those who frequently give blood, those with gastrointestinal disorders, or those with heart failure are at a higher risk of not getting enough iron and may benefit from an iron supplement to avoid becoming deficient in iron.3 Additionally, those who don’t eat food sources of iron may also benefit from an iron supplement.

A healthcare professional can help determine if an iron supplement is best for you and what dose would be appropriate. If you are deficient in iron, a higher dose iron supplement may be recommended until your blood iron levels return to normal.

NOW Iron 18 mg is our top pick for the best iron supplement because it contains 100% Daily Value for iron, and it’s a third-party tested supplement. NOW Iron is made from ferrous bisglycinate, a form of iron that has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with iron supplements.10

NOW Iron is also available in a double-strength formula if you find that you need a higher dose. Discuss your needs with a health professional prior to starting an iron supplement, as too much iron can have negative health consequences and may interact with certain medications.3 Additionally, the 18 mg dose in this supplement may be higher than you need if you do not have iron deficiency or take other supplements with iron.

Price at time of publication: $13 ($0.11 per serving)

Whether you need a protein powder supplement can depend on your protein needs and what other protein foods you eat throughout the day. In general, those having a hard time meeting their protein needs, such as athletes or those wanting convenient protein sources on the go, may benefit from using protein powder.

Hemp protein powder is a relatively new type of protein that’s gaining popularity due to its versatility for a variety of dietary preferences. Nutiva Hemp Seed Protein Powder Peak Protein is our top pick for a protein powder supplement, as it provides much more than just protein and is a third-party tested product, so you can be assured of its quality and purity.

One serving contains 15 grams of protein and is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, many hemp protein powders also contain fiber, and Nutiva is no exception. The Peak Protein variety contains 6 grams of fiber per serving which makes it an excellent choice for upping your daily fiber intake.

Note this protein powder may require using a blender to avoid a gritty texture. Otherwise, the pleasant, nutty flavor makes for a great addition to smoothies or baked goods to help you get an extra boost of protein, fiber, and minerals.

Price at time of publication: $34 ($0.76 per serving)