Investigating the effects of iron supplementation on glucose metabolism during pregnancy
The Effect of Oral Iron Supplements on Hepcidin, Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy
This study is testing if taking iron supplements can help pregnant women with gestational diabetes and low iron levels manage their blood sugar better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04008147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial examines the relationship between iron supplementation and glucose metabolism in pregnant women, specifically focusing on those with gestational diabetes and iron deficiency anemia. Participants will either refrain from taking iron supplements for 14 days or take a multivitamin containing iron while being monitored for changes in hepcidin levels and insulin sensitivity. The study aims to determine if high doses of oral iron can influence glucose metabolism and potentially impact pregnancy outcomes. The research is conducted at the Human Nutrition Laboratory ETH Zurich in collaboration with the University Hospital, Zürich.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women between 24-28 weeks gestation with a pre-pregnancy BMI under 27.5 and hemoglobin levels above 8.0 g/dl.
Not a fit: Patients with severe anemia, recent iron infusion, or other medical conditions affecting iron metabolism may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for gestational diabetes and iron deficiency during pregnancy, enhancing maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated a complex relationship between iron metabolism and glucose regulation during pregnancy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * week of pregnancy 24-28 * pre-pregnancy BMI \<27.5kg/m2 * singleton pregnancy * Hb \> 8.0 g/dl Willing to either: * not take any iron supplements for 14 days (however, participants will receive a similar amount of total iron during the 4 study days that they would normally receive over 14 days) OR * to take the multivitamin "Burgerstein Schwangerschaft and Stillzeit" supplements over the 14 days (contains 30 mg iron) Exclusion Criteria: * iron infusion within the past 6 months * severely anemic Hb\<8.0g/dl * acute or chronic disease * long-term medication * medical problems known to affect iron homeostasis * smoking
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- Human Nutrition Laboratory ETH Zurich — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicole U Stoffel, PhD
- Email: nicole.stoffel@hest.ethz.ch
- Phone: +41 44 632 83 93
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.