Study of Intravenous Iron Injectafer to Improve Oxygen Levels and Exercise Performance at High Altitude in Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 40

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of intravenous iron compared to a placebo saline injection on oxygen levels in the blood, exercise performance, and treadmill running times during sudden exposure to low oxygen conditions simulating high altitude at about 4800 meters. The study aims to see if iron treatment improves oxygen saturation at rest and during exercise and if these improvements last for two weeks. The trial randomly assigns 24 healthy adults aged 18 to 40 to receive either Injectafer intravenous iron at 15 mgkg up to 1000 mg or a saline placebo. Participants undergo seven visits including initial assessments like body fat measurement using DEXA scans, lung function tests, and peak aerobic capacity. Exercise tests and blood samples occur before and after treatment during exposure to high altitude conditions. Participants will be carefully monitored through exercise performance tests such as a 2-mile treadmill time trial and measurements of oxygen saturation, ventilation, blood markers, and skin blood flow at sea level and simulated altitude. These assessments occur before treatment, and one and two weeks after treatment to track the lasting effects. The study includes safety checks and lasts through multiple visits over several weeks.

Intravenous Iron Effects on Performance at High Altitude