Should I take an iron containing multivitamin?

I just noticed that some multivitamins advertise as not containing iron. How do you determine if you need one with iron or without?

You have to stay away from those vitamins, they are synthetic !! eat your normal food !

iron can negatively effect your bowel movements . So, I personally would choose a multi w/out iron and take a food based iron supplement (tends to be more gentle on your bowels). However, if you feel you get plenty of iron in your diet (red meat, greens, beans, nuts etc.) then don't worry about it.

Everybody reacts differently to supplemental iron. The last poster is right, it can make you constipated, and some women can get nauseous from it as well.

If you are low on iron, the first signs typically are fatigue and dizziness. If you're eating iron-containing foods you're probably ok. Iron is great to have on hand for women who are menstruating though, which can deplete your iron stores rapidly.

And do make sure your supplements are natural, as well. Cheap synthetics (grocery-grade vitamins or One A Days/Centrums) are pretty close to useless.