Lipofer® (Microencapsulated Iron — Lubrizol)

Lipofer® is a microencapsulated iron from Lubrizol Life Science, in which iron is coated in a protective matrix. The encapsulation is intended to improve tolerability and absorption and to reduce the metallic taste and digestive upset that often come with ordinary iron.

Lipofer is researched primarily for Energy and Women's Health. Microencapsulation is proposed to reduce the stomach upset, constipation, and metallic taste that make ordinary iron hard to take; the supporting tolerability and absorption data cited here come from an animal (rat) model rather than a huma…

The clinically studied dose is Providing a typical supplemental iron dose, often around 14 to 18 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

For most healthy adults, Lipofer is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally better tolerated than standard iron salts. Some digestive upset or constipation can still occur. It may also interact with some medications. Lipofer is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Possible interactions include: Thyroid medication and certain antibiotics — iron reduces their absorption; separate by several hours. Antacids and calcium — reduce iron absorption; separate dosing. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Lipofer as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.