[DISCLAIMER]
I initially wrote about Spatone iron supplement some time ago, and I’m revisiting it again due to continued interest in the product. My family and I still use it today—my daughter takes it during the week of her period, and my younger children get occasional top-ups. Spatone remains our go-to for boosting iron levels, especially as my children train long hours in the pool and compete regularly.
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Iron deficiency can impact both adults and children, causing tiredness, low energy, and reduced concentration. For my busy family—particularly with my children’s active lifestyles—maintaining adequate iron levels has always been vital. I’ve tried various iron supplements over the years, but Spatone consistently stood out for being gentle and easy to use.
My History with Spatone
- Early Introduction: When my children were younger, I searched for a mild iron supplement that wouldn’t upset their tummies. Spatone proved to be just that. Initially, I mixed each sachet into fruit juice to disguise the taste.
- Teen Period Support: As my daughter got older, she began using Spatone the week of her period to help maintain energy levels.
- Swim Training: My younger children regularly train in the pool and compete at weekends. Spatone gives them a noticeable boost, even if they now prefer drinking it straight from the sachet (no more juice needed!).
What Makes Spatone Different?
- Naturally Sourced: Spatone is derived from iron-rich water in Snowdonia, North Wales.
- Easy on the Stomach: Unlike some iron tablets, it rarely causes constipation or nausea.
- Convenient Packaging: Single-use sachets mean no fussing with spoons or measuring cups.
The simplicity of popping a sachet into a bag or lunchbox is a game-changer for busy families on the go.
Iron Absorption Tips: Avoiding Milk and More
- Milk and Calcium: Remember that milk (and other high-calcium foods) can inhibit iron absorption. Try to leave a gap of at least an hour between drinking Spatone and consuming dairy products.
- Pair with Vitamin C: To enhance absorption further, you can take Spatone alongside a Vitamin C source (like orange juice).
- Stay Consistent: Iron supplementation often works best when taken daily over several weeks or months.
Why It Suits Active Families
- Extra Energy: Sports training and competitions can deplete iron stores. Having a reliable supplement on hand helps my children avoid mid-day slumps.
- Menstrual Support: My daughter feels more balanced during her cycle, which is crucial when you’re juggling school, sports, and social events.
- No Fighting Over Taste: Now that they’re older, my kids simply drink Spatone straight from the packet. This convenience saves me time and effort.
Iron Needs at Different Life Stages
While exact requirements vary, here’s a rough guide to daily iron needs:
- Children (4–8 years): ~10 mg
- Children (9–13 years): ~8 mg
- Teen Boys (14–18 years): ~11 mg
- Teen Girls (14–18 years): ~15 mg
If you have any questions about whether Spatone is suitable for your child’s specific needs, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
Over the years, Spatone has become a staple in our household. From early childhood to the teenage years, it’s been a gentle, reliable way to support healthy iron levels—especially for kids who lead busy, active lives. Whether you’re managing a sports-focused schedule or looking to ease period fatigue, Spatone might just do the trick.
Do you have any experiences with iron supplements for your family? Feel free to share in the comments—I love hearing different perspectives and tips.
21 comments
Hi – thanks for a great article, very informative ? I can see this article is almost two years old, but just wondering how many sachets you had to give your son daily? We have been recommended 5 sachets of Spatone a day for my daughter who is iron-deficient, but I’m finding it hard to get that volume in daily and managing about 2 and a third sachets a day actually consumed. I’m glad to see his levels improved to almost normal after 5 months ? We’ve been treating for about 8 weeks so far, but seeing small improvements already, although there’s still a way to go.
Hi there – glad you are starting to see an improvement. I did 2 sachets a day initially in apple or cranberry juice as he doesn’t like orange juice. I then also used Fereglobin twice a day mixed in hot chocolate. I still use both with him but in much smaller quantities for maintenance. His eating is so much better than a couple of years ago but if he’s having a fussy week then I top him up.
Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions x
Thanks for the quick reply ? So far my daughter is rejecting everything except Spatone mixed with apple juice, so we’ll see how the levels are at her blood test in about 4 weeks. If not much progress on this regime, we have to do an iron infusion (as traumatic as that is!) . Here’s hoping we can avoid that ?
We just avoided an infusion. Levels were so low. Go with what works for your daughter. It took me ages to work out through trial and error what our best combination was. If she will have the Spatone, go with that. If the volume of apple juice is a problem just try smaller quantities of apple juice. Our little one struggled with the volume of liquid so i simply gave him a smaller cup of apple juice with 2 sachets in. We used the apple Spatone and I used a bottle with a straw x
Hi what’s the most sachets you can take per day if iron deficient?
Is 5 sachets allowed .I would like to know as my iron is so low
Hi Rachel,
I’m not a doctor, so I can’t advise you. I can tell you that we used 2 sachets a day with my son when he was really low, combined with a dose of fereglobin and that was enough to send his levels in the right direction. He was incredibly low and the only other option was an infusion at the hospital.
Love your article! I have twin girls who have just turned two. They were diagnosed as having dangerously low iron when they where 11 months (they where 6 weeks premature) we took a Canadian iron supplement for 6 months as we where living in Canada. We are back in England now and my girls have been waking up a lot more (every two hours) and I have a feeling it’s due to their iron levels dropping (they used to have such bad restless legs!) anyhow I brought spatone yesterday and just wanted to see how others have found it. So pleased it worked for your little guy! My girls aren’t having their bloods taken until end of the month so I am just giving them one a day for now and if I find out they have extremely low iron I’ll up it. Do you know any information on giving it even if iron levels are ok (just in case I am wrong)? I am still breastfeeding ? and feel that even though they eat iron rich food they don’t absorb them fully because of my milk!
As far as I know it’s safe to give as a supplement even if levels are OK. Levels good here now but I still use it as an insurance really. So if i feel they haven’t had enough in a week i will use a sachet. Good luck and i hope the levels improve soon. x
2 sachets can be used per day in pregnancy and when ours son was very poorly we used 2 sachets a day plus a dose of fereglobin. We then gradually reduced this as the levels returned to normal.
My son is nearly 2.5 and had a blood test when 9 months we had just started weaning and his levels where 9 and I was told he was anemic. He was prescribed iron drops and he took them well. I got him retested when he was aged 18 months and still slightly anemic at 10. During the time he was prescribed iron drops he was breastfeeding. Now at 2.5 I am wanting to get his iron reviewed. We have tried a few supplements but little one never really tolerated the taste there was a tropical supplement Animal Parade with iron however my son did not like the taste. He eats a carried diet and stopped milk feeds at 24 months so am wondering if this was affecting his absorption. I want to get his blood checked again to make sure he is maintaining. Any ideas how long it takes to regain iron levels and sustain these. Just a bit worried his levels have been low because of his breast milk although the breast milk is like liquid gold. We don’t give him dairy, eggs or red meat but he otherwise eats a varied diet with pulses, chicken and fish and greens. Also ideas of supplements that taste good.
Hi there, It took around 18 months for my son’s to be back to what the consultant considered a safe level. He was at 7 when we started. I used to mix the spatone with cranberry juice to help absorption as he wouldn’t drink orange juice. I do think his progress was hindered by his milk absorption but I agree breastmilk is so important. He is 7 now and I still top him up with the fereglobin. For example, if I think he’s had a fussy week with his food then I will top him up. Fortunately he eats well now but when I think back to where we were back then. He would just eat pasta, gingerbread and strawberries at one point. Good luck and just keep going x
My son is 1 and borderline low on iron. I would much prefer to use this than another liquid supplement that the dr mentioned. I see it says 2 and up for ages but do you think i could try it for him?
Thank you!
I’m not a doctor, so I wouldn’t like to advise you, but all i can say is that what they gave us in hospital had no chance of entering my son’s system, hence why I had to experiment to find what worked for him. You could ask your doctor, it really is so easy to use.
Thanks for your advice. Did you give your baby spatone at 6 months ? If so how did your baby do? My baby is holding his breath hear and there. Also waking up a lot. Wondering if he is anemic ? But also would rather give him spatone over other iron supplements if it’s safe. Thank you so much!
I meant to send my question to you. Did you give hour baby spatone at 6 months and how did they do? I am worried my baby is anemic and would rather give spatone over other iron supplements. Thank you so much!
It’s normal for babies and toddlers to wake during the night and doesn’t mean they’re anaemic. I wouldn’t give it to such a young baby without instruction from a doctor.
No I wouldn’t give it to a six month old, My son was 3 when he started having this. Are you breastfeeding? I would discuss your concerns with your health care professional.
thnak you for sharing