Study of High- Versus Low-Dose Oral Iron Supplements on Insulin and Glucose in Overweight and Obese Women Aged 18 to 45

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 kgm2 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.

The Effect of Oral Iron Supplements on Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Women