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A Novel Iron-Based Supplement for Athletes Aged 18-25: Phase II

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Iron Deficiencies
Interventions
Other: FeSC
Registration Number
NCT06269913
Lead Sponsor
University of Calgary
Brief Summary

Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency and this can impact their exercise performance. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel iron supplement in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in endurance-trained females.

Detailed Description

Current iron supplements on the market are commonly associated with side effects including gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. As a solution, we have developed a novel delivery system for iron supplementation that overcomes many of these limitations. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy of a yeast-iron complex in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in young, endurance-trained females with sub-optimal iron status. Participants will consume 40mg of elemental iron every second day for 8 weeks. Before and after supplementation,participants will be assessed for exercise capacity (VO2max), iron status, and the current state of the gut microbiome. each week during supplementation, participants will complete a survey in in which they will report feelings of stress and recovery as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • cis-gendered female 18-25years old
  • sub-optimal iron status (ferritin ≤45mcg/ L)
  • At least 1 year past the age of menarche
  • Engage in moderate to vigorous endurance activity for at least 3 hours a week
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Exclusion Criteria
  • Supplemented with iron iron (>5mg/day), prebiotics, or probiotics in last 3 months
  • antibiotic use in last 3 months
    • Energy availability >30 kcal/kg lean body mass
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Iron/yeast complex (FeSC)FeSCIron Supplement
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Iron Status4 weeks, 8 weeks

Ferritin

Hemoglobin4 weeks, 8 weeks

Hemoglobin concentration

Upper Gut Microbiome4 weeks, 8 weeks

SIMBA capsule

Lower Gut microbiome4 weeks, 8 weeks

Fecal sample

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hemoglobin Mass8 weeks

Carbon monoxide Rebreathing Technique

Exercise Capacity8 weeks

Oxygen Consumption (VO2max)

Gastrointestinal Symptoms 1Weekly for 8 weeks

Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire

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