Iron Absorption and Variations of Iron Status, Hepcidin, Inflammation and Sex Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle

Overview

Iron supplementation is the first line of treatment of iron deficiency in most women, but we do not know when the best time is to supplement in the context of the menstrual cycle. With this study, we aim to measure and compare iron status, hepcidin, inflammatory markers, hormones estrogen and progesterone and changes in iron absorption at various points throughout the menstrual cycle, with a long-term view to determine best time for iron supplementation in relation to the menstrual cycle.

To date, very few studies have assessed iron absorption in relation to a woman's menstrual cycle. Although oral iron supplementation is considered the first line of treatment for iron deficiency in most women, there is no knowledge on the relationship between this intervention in the context of the menstrual cycle, and more specifically there is no knowledge on its potential implications for the most appropriate timing of iron supplementation. A better understanding of iron absorption during the menstrual cycle as well as kinetics of key parameters could allow the design of adapted and/or new interventions (e.g., timing of iron supplementation in relation to different phases of the menstrual cycle) to mitigate iron deficiency in menstruating women and can inform programs aimed at addressing iron deficiency

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Outcomes