Best Supplements for Blood Formation: Our Recommendations

Red blood cells transport oxygen through the body and are thus a central building block for vitality and performance in everyday life. So that normal blood formation runs smoothly, the body needs certain micronutrients in sufficient quantity. Especially in phases with increased requirements – for example in athletically active people, during menstruation, in pregnancy or breastfeeding – many people consciously pay attention to their supply. In this guide we explain what matters for the goal of blood formation, and introduce you to fitting products. It is about supporting normal bodily functions in a healthy everyday life. Anyone who often feels drained frequently thinks of the blood count when searching for causes – but before you dose highly on your own, it is worth looking at your diet and, in case of a concrete suspicion, having your values determined medically. Then you can supplement in a targeted and sensible way.

What matters for the goal of blood formation

For the micronutrients involved in blood formation there are clearly defined, EU-authorised statements. They describe the normal formation and function of red blood cells as well as the iron balance.

• Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin as well as to normal oxygen transport in the body and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• Folate (folic acid) contributes to normal blood formation and has a role in the process of cell division.
• Vitamin C increases iron absorption from food.
• Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
• Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 contribute to the normal formation of red blood cells.

These statements describe normal bodily functions given an adequate supply. They are not a promise against specific complaints, but show which nutrients are involved in normal blood formation and in the iron balance. Iron in particular is a mineral whose requirement can vary greatly depending on life phase and dietary style – people who eat a plant-based diet as well as women of childbearing age often keep a particularly close eye on it.

Especially practical: iron and vitamin C work well together, since vitamin C increases iron absorption. A clever combination of these nutrients is therefore the core of any supplement geared towards blood formation. Likewise, the B vitamins and copper play a role as team players, which is why many formulations sensibly bundle several of these nutrients.

Our product recommendations

The following selection covers the most important nutrients around blood formation – from a well-tolerated iron preparation to complexes with folic acid.

Iron bisglycinate + natural vitamin C

This product is the most obvious choice for the goal of blood formation: it combines gentle, well-tolerated iron bisglycinate with natural vitamin C. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, vitamin C increases iron absorption. The chelate form bisglycinate is considered particularly stomach-friendly, which makes the preparation interesting also for sensitive people who tolerate classic iron preparations poorly. With iron bisglycinate, the iron is bound to the amino acid glycine, which favours tolerability. In combination with natural vitamin C, which increases iron absorption, a particularly well-thought-out formulation for exactly this goal is created.

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Innere Balance with folic acid

This plant complex of St. John's wort, valerian and passionflower is rounded off with folic acid. Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation and has a role in cell division. For everyone who is looking for a plant-based everyday companion and at the same time appreciates a contribution to normal blood formation, it is a pleasant supplement.

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Meno-Intenso complex with folic acid

Put together specifically for women in the menopause, this complex combines yam root and ashwagandha with folic acid. Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation. The complex is aimed at women in this life phase who are looking for a well-thought-out formulation with plant-based components and a contribution to normal blood formation.

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Nursing complex with fenugreek, fennel, omega-3 & folic acid

This complex was developed for the breastfeeding period and unites fenugreek and fennel with omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and folic acid. Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation and is a sensible building block precisely in this life phase with increased requirements. Fenugreek and fennel are traditionally used and round off the formulation. Additionally, the complex provides an important omega-3 fatty acid with DHA. This way it combines several building blocks in one product that are often considered in this special life phase – a practical solution for everyone who does not want to combine several single preparations.

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Venenkraft with copper

This rutin-melilot complex is coordinated with horse chestnut and copper. Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body and thus complements the nutrient picture around the iron balance. For everyone who, alongside blood formation, also keeps an eye on the topic of vessels, it is an interesting double solution. The contained plants rutin, melilot and horse chestnut are traditionally used and make the complex a versatile companion. So anyone who wants to use a vein and vessel complex anyway takes along, so to speak, a building block around the iron balance with the copper portion.

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How to find the right product for you

For the goal of blood formation in the narrower sense, iron bisglycinate with natural vitamin C is the most obvious, most targeted choice – especially if you are looking for the classic combination of iron and vitamin C in a well-tolerated form. Anyone who additionally appreciates a contribution to normal blood formation via folic acid and wants a plant-based everyday companion will find a pleasant supplement in "Innere Balance". For women in certain life phases, Meno-Intenso (menopause) or the nursing complex (breastfeeding) are aptly tailored formulations that each place folic acid in a larger context attuned to the life phase. And anyone who considers the topic of vessels alongside blood formation can address two goals at once with Venenkraft and its copper portion. When combining several products, always pay attention to the sum of the nutrients supplied so that you stay within sensible amounts.

Basics first

A good nutrient basis begins on the plate. Iron-rich foods such as legumes, oat flakes, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables and – for people who eat meat – lean red meat provide valuable building blocks. A distinction is made between so-called heme iron from animal sources, which the body absorbs well, and non-heme iron from plant sources. Deliberately combine plant iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods such as peppers, berries or a splash of lemon, because vitamin C noticeably increases iron absorption. Coffee, black tea and larger amounts of calcium, on the other hand, can inhibit iron absorption and are best enjoyed with some time interval from the iron-rich meal. Folate is abundant in green vegetables, legumes and wholegrain products. Anyone who suspects an actual deficiency is best off having their values determined medically instead of dosing highly on suspicion. Supplements are then a conscious building block of a balanced diet, not a substitute for it. Anyone who makes their meals varied and colourful already covers many of the nutrients involved in a natural way and thus creates the best basis for smooth normal blood formation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which nutrients are especially relevant for blood formation?

Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, folate to normal blood formation, vitamin B12 and B6 to the normal formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C increases iron absorption, copper supports normal iron transport.

Why are iron and vitamin C often combined?

Because vitamin C increases iron absorption from food. Preparations such as iron bisglycinate with natural vitamin C use this connection specifically in one formulation.

What is special about iron bisglycinate?

Iron bisglycinate is a chelate form of iron that is considered particularly well tolerated and stomach-friendly. This also makes it interesting for sensitive people who tolerate classic iron preparations poorly.

Should I simply take iron as a precaution?

Iron should not be dosed highly indiscriminately. Anyone who suspects a deficiency is best off having their values determined medically and adjusting the supplement to that. Stick to the recommended daily dose of the product. Too much brings no advantage, since the body does not absorb and store iron arbitrarily. With a balanced, varied diet the requirement is anyway well covered for many people.

Is folate only a topic during pregnancy?

Folate generally contributes to normal blood formation and to cell division and is thus not only relevant during pregnancy. In this life phase, however, there is a particularly high requirement, which is why it is then often considered specifically.

Note: Food supplements are no substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. In the case of existing illnesses, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or when taking medication, speak with your doctor before use.