Iron Bioavailability of High Surface Area Ferric Phosphate

Iron Bioavailability of High Surface Area Ferric Phosphate in Thai Women

The primary objective of this study is to compare iron absorption of high surface area ferric phosphate with that of ferrous sulfate and bulk ferric phosphate in a rice-based meal in non-pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women of reproductive age (18 to 49 years) in Thailand
• BMI < 23 kg/m2
• Body weight < 65 kg
• Mildly anaemic to normocythemic (Hb 80-110 g/L)
• Ferritin < 25 µg/L
• Not pregnant (confirmed by pregnancy test stripe) or lactating
• No inflammation (CRP < 5 mg/L)
• Having provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Haemoglobinopathies (except heterozygosity for haemoglobin E and alpha-thalassemia 1)
• Coeliac disease or other chronic diseases of malabsorption that could influence iron absorption or metabolism
• Blood donation or significant blood loss due to surgery or accident < 4 months before start of the study
• Consumption of vitamin or mineral supplements 2 weeks before start of the study
• Regular use of medication (except oral contraceptives), that influences iron absorption
• Chronic inflammatory disease
• Smoking