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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35 Women only

Iron absorption and losses in young South African women with and without overweight or obesity

Official title: Long-term Iron Absorption and Losses in Young South African Women Living Without and With Overweight and Obesity

Run by North-West University, South Africa · NCT07081152 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether young South African women with overweight or obesity absorb and lose iron differently than women without overweight by giving a labeled iron drink and following them for a year.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment70 (estimated)
SponsorNorth-West University, South Africa
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Potchefstroom, North West)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 24, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT07081152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are young women of African descent with BMI in the study ranges (18.5–24.9 kg/m2 for the non-overweight group or ≥28 kg/m2 for the overweight/obesity group), low-to-moderate iron stores (ferritin ≤50 µg/L), the specified CRP profile, not anemic, and planning to remain in the study area for at least two years.

Probably not a fit

Women who are pregnant or lactating, have significant anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/dL), chronic inflammatory or malabsorptive disorders, take chronic anti-inflammatory medications, or otherwise meet exclusion criteria are unlikely to be eligible or to directly benefit from participation.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This longitudinal interventional study enrolls about 70 young women of African descent with either normal weight or overweight/obesity and low-to-moderate iron stores. In phase 1 participants receive a test drink containing 15 mg of 57Fe-labelled ferrous sulfate and fractional iron absorption is measured by incorporation of the isotope into red blood cells 14 days later. Participants then enter a one-year follow-up with monthly contacts to track health status, supplement use, blood donation, dietary iron intake, and iron and inflammation biomarkers. The study compares absorption and iron losses between the BMI groups and monitors changes in iron and inflammatory status over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help tailor iron recommendations and interventions for young women with overweight or obesity to reduce the risk of iron deficiency.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have used stable isotopes to quantify iron absorption in normal-weight African women, but directly comparing long-term absorption and losses between women with and without overweight/obesity is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Of African descent
* BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 for participants living without OW/OB and BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 for participants living with OW/OB
* Having low to moderate inflammation-adjusted iron stores (ferritin ≤50 µg/L)
* Absence of low-grade inflammation (CRP\<2 mg/l) for participants living without OW/OB and presence of low-grade inflammation CRP 2-20 mg/l) for participants living with OW/OB
* Planning to reside in the study area for at least 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemoglobin \< 11 g/dl
* Treated or self-reported chronic or malabsorptive disorder
* Current use of chronic anti-inflammatory medication, like corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
* Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant in the next 2 years
* Lactation
* Fear of needles or experiencing vaso-vagal episodes when exposed to blood
* Difficulty drawing blood due to poor quality veins
* Blood donation in the past 4 months or plans to donate blood during the study
* On a weight-loss diet or program or planning to start the same during the study
* Smoking
* Unwillingness to stop taking iron and /or vitamin C-containing supplements during phase 1 of the study
* Regular use of antacids, proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers

Additional inclusion criteria applicable to phase 2 of the study

* Labelled with stable iron isotope (tracer) for a minimum of one year
* Willingness not to start or stop contraceptive use during the 6 months
* BMI ≥ 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 for participants living without OW/OB and BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 for participants living with OW/OB

Additional exclusion criteria applicable to phase 2 of the study

\- Blood transfusion, intravenous iron infusion, blood donation or significant blood loss during the equilibration period

Where it's running

  • Esté Vorster Research Facility
    Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Linda Malan, PhD — Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University
  • Study coordinator: Mary Uyoga, PhD
  • Email: 44645104@mynwu.ac.za
  • Phone: +27 18 299 4237

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.