Effects of Iron on Exercise Capacity During Hypoxia

Effects of Intravenous Iron Supplementation on Exercise Capacity During Sustained Alveolar Hypoxia in Healthy Humans.

During alveolar hypoxia, for example at high altitude or in patients with respiratory disease, there is evidence to suggest that hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension might limit exercise performance. Intravenous iron supplementation has recently been shown to reverse pulmonary hypertension in healthy humans at high altitude, and to prevent pulmonary hypertension in volunteers exposed to hypoxia at sea level. The investigators hypothesized that intravenous iron supplementation would enhance exercise capacity during alveolar hypoxia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 60 years
• Sea level natives with no recent exposure to high altitude
• Baseline iron indices within the normal range
• Detectable tricuspid regurgitation on echocardiography

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant cardiorespiratory disease
• Known susceptibility to high altitude-related illness
• Taking medications or iron supplementation
• Pregnancy