21/09/2026
WHICH BLOOD TONIC IS SUITABLE FOR SICKLE CELL WARRIORS
Understanding the classes of blood tonics and what they do 👇🏾
This is for educational purposes.
1️⃣ Iron-based blood tonics
Eg., Ranferon 12, Tot’hema, Fesulf, Liquid Iron.
These are blood tonics that contain high amounts of iron. They may also contain Vitamin B12 and folic acid.
These are strictly for pregnant women, people with iron deficiency, and people who recently lost a lot of blood, either through surgery, accidents, or heavy menstrual flow.
It is very wrong to use these blood tonics just for weight gain. They will not make you gain weight, and too much iron can cause constipation and may affect the liver.
2️⃣ Iron + Vitamin-based blood tonics
Eg., Astyfer, Bunto, Chemiron, Feroglobin, MIM, etc.
The iron content here is lower, but they contain added vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins. Some of them even contain zinc, CoQ10, Vitamin C, and amino acids.
These are also recommended for pregnant women, people who have recently lost blood, and especially those recovering from illness to support the immune system.
They can also boost appetite and make you eat more.
These can support weight gain, but because they still contain iron, it is not healthy to use them just for weight gain. Iron can accumulate and affect the liver.
3️⃣ Haemoglobin-based blood tonics
Eg., DeDeon’s, HB12.
The major ingredient here is haemoglobin, but they may also contain Vitamin B12, liver extract, and other minerals that support blood formation.
They still contain iron in haemoglobin, but in much smaller amounts than the previous two categories.
They are also recommended for people with anaemia, people who are not eating well, and those recovering from sickness.
These ones can also support weight gain, but they should not be used if you do not have a shortage of blood. They are not for weight gain.
4️⃣ Amino acid-based blood tonics
Eg., Astymin, Amino Pep Forte.
These contain little or no iron.
In fact, they are actually regarded as multivitamins, but they also support blood formation.
They are the safest option for people with sickle cell. They are also the safest option for those who want to gain weight.
They help boost the immune system, improve recovery from sickness, and provide the body with important amino acids needed for growth, repair, and weight gain.
There is no risk of iron overload with these.
5️⃣ Weight gain is NOT for everyone
Weight gain happens naturally when you eat well, rest well, and have peace of mind. Most supplements are only needed if you are not eating well.
Some people will not gain weight even if they carry their bags and relocate to the kitchen… This is because they are naturally slim.
♤ Pharmacist Paul ♤
