Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency and this can impact their exercise performance. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel iron supplement in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in endurance-trained females.
Current iron supplements on the market are commonly associated with side effects including gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. As a solution, we have developed a novel delivery system for iron supplementation that overcomes many of these limitations. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy of a yeast-iron complex in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in young, endurance-trained females with sub-optimal iron status. Participants will consume 40mg of elemental iron every second day for 8 weeks. Before and after supplementation,participants will be assessed for exercise capacity (VO2max), iron status, and the current state of the gut microbiome. each week during supplementation, participants will complete a survey in in which they will report feelings of stress and recovery as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Iron/yeast complex
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Iron Status
Ferritin
Time frame: 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin concentration
Time frame: 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Upper Gut Microbiome
SIMBA capsule
Time frame: 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Lower Gut microbiome
Fecal sample
Time frame: 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Exercise Capacity
Oxygen Consumption (VO2max)
Time frame: 8 weeks
Hemoglobin Mass
Carbon monoxide Rebreathing Technique
Time frame: 8 weeks
Gastrointestinal Symptoms 1
Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire
Time frame: Weekly for 8 weeks
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