Investigating how oral iron doses affect serum ferritin levels in iron-deficient women

Assessing the Immediate Increase in Serum Ferritin After Oral Iron Doses: an Experimental Study in Iron-deficient Women

Not applicable Interventional Swiss Federal Institute of Technology · NCT06851130

This study tests how different doses of iron supplements affect iron levels in women aged 18 to 45 who have low iron but are not anemic.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorSwiss Federal Institute of Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
Trial IDNCT06851130 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the immediate effects of oral iron supplementation on serum ferritin levels in women with low iron stores but no anemia. Participants will receive either 80 mg or 160 mg of ferrous sulfate daily for two months to assess how these doses influence serum ferritin levels over time. The goal is to understand the acute changes in ferritin levels to improve monitoring of iron status during supplementation. The study focuses on women aged 18 to 45 with specific eligibility criteria to ensure accurate results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 to 45 with low serum ferritin levels and no anemia.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, recent blood loss, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved guidelines for monitoring iron supplementation in women with iron deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on iron supplementation exist, this specific investigation into acute serum ferritin response is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Low iron stores (SF levels \< 30 µg/L),
* no anemia (Hb \> 120 g/L)
* no inflammation (CRP \< 5 mg/L)
* 18 to 45 years old.
* Body weight \<70 kg
* Normal body Mass Index (18.5-26.5 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any chronic or acute disease
* Consumption of mineral and vitamin supplements since screening and over the study period
* Blood transfusion, blood donation or significant blood loss over the past 4 months,
* Pregnant or breastfeeding,
* Continuous/long-term use of medication during the whole studies (except for contraceptives)
* Therapeutic iron infusion over the past 6 months,
* Known hypersensitivity or allergy to iron supplements,
* Intention to become pregnant over the course of the study

Where this trial is running

Zurich, Canton of Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Iron Deficiency Without Anemiaserum ferritinoral iron supplementation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.