Assessing the Immediate Increase in Serum Ferritin After Oral Iron Doses: an Experimental Study in Iron-deficient Women

Assessing the Immediate Increase in Serum Ferritin After Oral Iron Doses: an Experimental Study in Iron-deficient Women

Serum ferritin is a key indicator of body iron stores and is widely used in monitoring iron status. However, oral iron doses can acutely elevate SF levels, potentially biasing assessments of iron stores during supplementation. This study aims to investigate the extent and duration of the acute iron-induced effect on serum ferritin following the administration of a daily iron dose for two months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Low iron stores (SF levels < 30 µg/L),
• no anemia (Hb > 120 g/L)
• no inflammation (CRP < 5 mg/L)
• 18 to 45 years old.
• Body weight <70 kg
• Normal body Mass Index (18.5-26.5 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any chronic or acute disease
• Consumption of mineral and vitamin supplements since screening and over the study period
• Blood transfusion, blood donation or significant blood loss over the past 4 months,
• Pregnant or breastfeeding,
• Continuous/long-term use of medication during the whole studies (except for contraceptives)
• Therapeutic iron infusion over the past 6 months,
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to iron supplements,
• Intention to become pregnant over the course of the study