Iron-fortified food to enhance vaccine response for Japanese encephalitis and typhoid fever

Iron Fortified Food to Improve Japanese Encephalitis and Typhoid Fever Vaccine Immunogenicity: a Randomized Controlled Trial in Iron Deficient Thai Women

Not applicable Interventional University of Oxford · NCT06027801

This study tests if eating iron-fortified cookies can help women with iron deficiency anemia respond better to vaccines for Japanese encephalitis and typhoid fever.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Oxford Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roi Et)
Trial IDNCT06027801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of iron-fortified cookies on the immune response to Japanese encephalitis and typhoid fever vaccines in women aged 18-49 with iron deficiency anemia. It aims to determine whether improving iron status can enhance vaccine efficacy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where undernutrition is prevalent. Participants will receive either iron-fortified or non-fortified cookies alongside the vaccines to assess the differences in immune response. The study is conducted in Thailand, where these diseases are endemic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-49 diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia but not severe anemia.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have major chronic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve vaccine responses in individuals with iron deficiency anemia, leading to better protection against serious infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that improving iron status can enhance vaccine responses, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial.
* Female aged 18-49 years.
* Diagnosed with anaemia (i.e. hemoglobin (Hb) concentration \<12 g/dl), but no severe anaemia (Hb \<8 g/dl), and iron deficiency (ZnPP \>40 µmol/mol)
* Anticipated residence in the area for the study duration

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant (confirmed by rapid test during screening and at time of vaccination), lactating or planning pregnancy during the trial.
* Blood transfusion or intravenous iron treatment within 4 months of study start
* Major chronic infectious disease (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV+, hepatitis)
* Major chronic non-infectious disease (e.g., Type 1 or 2 diabetes, cancer)
* Treatment with supplemental iron two weeks prior to enrolment
* JE or typhoid vaccine within the past two years

Where this trial is running

Roi Et

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 Anemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.