Long-term Iron Absorption in Women with Overweight/Obesity vs Normal Weight

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

The study uses an iron isotope dilution method to measure how inflammation from overweight/obesity may affect iron handling over time. It plans a longitudinal design with 64 Thai women (32 overweight/obese and 32 normal weight) to compare iron absorption, storage, and gain. Participants will undergo screening, blood tests, and follow-up procedures to assess iron status and inflammation markers, with ethical approvals and training in place. The aim is to inform policies on iron balance and health outcomes in the context of the double burden of malnutrition. This is a collaboration between Mahidol University and the IAEA, conducted at the Institute of Nutrition in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Normal weight group

  1. Aged 40-50 years
  2. Normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m²)
  3. Hb ≥12.0 g/dL and inflammation-adjusted SFa \<50.0 µg/L
  4. CRP \<5.0 mg/L
  5. Normal hemoglobin typing
  6. Plans to reside in the study area for \>2 years
* Overweight/obese group

  1. Aged 40-50 years
  2. Overweight or obese \[Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m²\] - the BMI cut-off follows the agreement of countries under the Coordinated Research Project (CRP) E43038 "Using the iron isotope dilution technique to assess the influence of inflammation on long-term iron absorption and loss," supported by the IAEA
  3. Hemoglobin (Hb) ≥12.0 g/dL and inflammation-adjusted serum ferritin (SFa) \<50.0 µg/L
  4. C-reactive protein (CRP) between 5.0-25.0 mg/L
  5. Normal hemoglobin typing
  6. Plans to reside in the study area for \>2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Normal weight group

  1. Having serious medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or chronic heart failure
  2. Having metabolic NCDs (e.g., diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) requiring hospitalization
  3. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study
  4. Chronic infectious disease (e.g., tuberculosis, AIDS)
  5. Regular use of anti-inflammatory or other medications (except contraceptives and acne medication)
  6. Taking vitamin or mineral supplements during or within two weeks prior to the study
  7. Participating in a weight-loss program
  8. Known intolerance to iron supplements (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or allergic reactions such as rash, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, facial or lip swelling)
  9. Blood transfusion, blood donation, or significant blood loss during the study or within 6 months before enrollment
  10. Heavy menstrual bleeding (\>80 mL/day, calculated from menstrual record)
* Overweight/obese group

  1. Obesity class II (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m²) with high health risk
  2. Having serious medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or chronic heart failure
  3. Having metabolic noncommunicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) requiring hospitalization
  4. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study
  5. Chronic infectious disease (e.g., tuberculosis, AIDS)
  6. Regular use of anti-inflammatory or other medications (except contraceptives and acne medication)
  7. Taking vitamin or mineral supplements during or within two weeks prior to the study
  8. Participating in a weight-loss program
  9. Known intolerance to iron supplements (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or allergic reactions such as rash, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, facial or lip swelling)
  10. Blood transfusion, blood donation, or significant blood loss during the study or within 6 months before enrollment
  11. Heavy menstrual bleeding (\>80 mL/day, calculated from menstrual record)

Where it's running

• Institute of Nutrition
  Nakhon Pathom, Thailand Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tippawan Pongcharoen, Ph.D.
• Email: tippawan.pon@mahidol.ac.th
• Phone: +66813749901

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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.