Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Oral Iron Supplements on Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Women
Led by Nicole Stoffel · Updated on 2026-01-02
70
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
Nicole Stoffel
Lead Sponsor
A
American University of Beirut Medical Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how oral iron supplements affect insulin and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese women. This randomized, double-blind trial involves 70 women with a body mass index of 27.5 kg/m2 or higher, low serum ferritin, and normal fasting blood glucose levels. The study compares the effects of high-dose versus low-dose iron supplementation on blood glucose and insulin response. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receives 195 mg of iron daily as ferrous sulfate, and the other receives 15 mg daily as ferrous fumarate. Both treatments last for 14 days. The study includes three visits: Day 0 for baseline tests, Day 14 after supplementation, and Day 17, four days after stopping the iron. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and blood samples are collected during these visits to assess changes. Throughout the study, participants will undergo blood tests including fasting glucose, insulin levels, serum ferritin, hepcidin, and markers related to iron metabolism. The primary outcomes measure blood glucose changes during OGTT on Days 0 and 14. Additional measurements on Days 0, 14, and 17 include insulin response, inflammatory markers, and iron status indicators. This allows researchers to monitor the effects of iron supplementation over time and after cessation of treatment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of Oral Iron Supplements on Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Women
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female aged 18 to 45 years
- Body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 27.5 kg/m2
- Serum ferritin less than 30 bcg/L
- Hemoglobin equal to or greater than 11 g/dl
- Fasting blood glucose less than 5.6 mmol/L
You will not qualify if you...
- Received intravenous or high dose oral iron in the previous 2 months
- Medical disorders affecting iron absorption, metabolism, or have type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Cigarette smoking
- Recent blood transfusion or major blood loss
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 14 days
Participants receive daily oral iron supplements at either a high dose or low dose for 14 days.
Visits on Day 0 and Day 14 for assessments
Duration - 3 days
Participants undergo additional assessments 3 days after completing treatment to monitor changes in insulin and glucose metabolism.
1 visit on Day 17 (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
O
Omar Obeid
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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