Iron is an essential mineral that relies heavily on adequate contact with stomach acid for absorption in the digestive tract. For this reason, many patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgeries develop iron deficiency. In a state of iron deficiency, it is best to supplement iron separately from other minerals to reduce competition for absorption. Calcium, for example, can impair the absorption of iron. This chewable iron is made from a special very soluble form that has almost no iron taste- in fact, most people who taste it can't believe it's iron at all. This formula also contains vitamin C and FOS, which have been shown to support iron absorption.