Iron boost? lactoferrin study targets exercise performance in women
NCT ID NCT07546591
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether taking lactoferrin (a protein found in milk) along with a small amount of iron can improve iron levels and exercise performance in active women who have low iron stores. About 30 women aged 18-45 who exercise at least 5 hours a week will take one of three daily supplements for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in iron levels, oxygen use, and how long they can exercise.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Women, 18 - 45 years of age * No changes in hormonal contraception use in the past 6 months * Has a regular menstrual cycle defined as five out of the past six months * Engaging in ≥5 hours per week of structured endurance exercise (e.g., running, cycling, swimming, rowing) for the past ≥6 months, with ≥3 sessions per week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity (≥70% HRmax or RPE ≥13). * Training must be consistent, with no interruptions \>2 consecutive weeks in the past 6 months and performed with the purpose of improving performance or preparing for a competition or personal goal. * Exhibit some degree of compromised iron status as depicted by serum ferritin levels below 30 ug/L * Participation in at least one organized endurance event (e.g., races, competitions, or matches) at the recreational, sub-elite, or elite level, or be actively training for a planned competition within the next 6 months. * Generally healthy and free of diseases or disorders that impact functioning of the gastrointestinal system. * No recent or acute infection in the past 30 days and no chronic systemic illness * No psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would impair consent capacity, protocol adherence, or valid completion of questionnaires. * If psychiatric medication is used: stable regimen for ≥3 months with no anticipated changes during the study * Body mass index (BMI) 18.5 to 32.5 kg/m2 (Inclusive) * Non-smoker * Agrees to not use any new vitamin, mineral, or dietary supplement product until after study completion and to not take any vitamins, minerals or dietary supplements 24 hours prior to any of the study visits. * Willing and able to maintain consistent diet and physical activity habits * Participants who become pregnant during the course of the study will be removed from participation * Willing and able to provide consent and comply with the protocol * Able to read and understand English at the 6th-grade level and sign the informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * History of any food allergies or intolerances that could impact digestive outcomes and history of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, celiac), gastroparesis, chronic constipation or diarrhea requiring medication, or GI surgery * Has any of the following medical conditions: bleeding disorders, active heart or cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg), renal or hepatic impairment/disease, Type I or II diabetes, any neurologic disease or disorder that may impact cognition or mood, unstable thyroid disease, chronic inflammatory conditions, immune disorders (such as HIV/AIDS), or any medical condition deemed exclusionary by the Principal Investigator (PI) * Acute illness or infection within the past 30 days * History of cancer (except localized skin cancer without metastases) within 5 years prior to screening. * Recently started taking (within the past 90 days or has had their dosage adjusted in the past 90 days) antihypertensives, hypoglycemic medications, GLP1 agonists of any class or type, stimulatory asthma medications, or any other prescription or over-the-counter medication that confound the outcomes measured in this study * Habitual use of anti-inflammatory medications for 30 days prior to providing * Current or past diagnosis of bipolar I/II disorder, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder; psychiatric hospitalization, suicidal ideation, attempt, or self-harm behavior in the past 12 months * Initiation, discontinuation, or dose change of any psychotropic medication within the past 3 months, including antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, or sedative-hypnotics * Subject has an allergy to any ingredients in the study product * Subject has a history of drug or alcohol abuse in the past 12 months * Excessive alcohol intake defined as greater than 7 drinks/week or binge episodes * Any condition or abnormality that in the expert opinion of the PI, participation in the study would compromise the safety of the subject or the quality of the study data. * Participating in or has participated in another research study within 30 days prior to the screening visit that could confound outcomes * Currently pregnant or lactating
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory
RECRUITINGSaint Charles, Missouri, 63301, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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