Iron pills may boost exercise in thin air, tiny study hints

NCT ID NCT05349630

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether taking iron supplements for 30 days can improve exercise performance in low-oxygen conditions. Five healthy adults will take ferrous sulfate pills daily and then exercise on a stationary bike. The goal is to see if iron helps the heart and lungs work better when oxygen is scarce.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ferrous sulfate (iron supplement)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could suggest that iron supplements help people with low oxygen levels exercise better.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase study with only 5 people, so results may not apply broadly. It is not designed to prove a treatment for any disease.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hypoxia Ventricular Dysfunction, Right

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HYPOXIA RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

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