The effect of iron supplements on the gut microbiome of women of reproductive age: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly for young children and women of reproductive age. While oral iron supplements are routinely recommended and generally considered safe, iron supplementation has been shown to alter the fecal microbiota in low-income countries. Little is known about the effect of iron supplementation on the fecal microbiota in high-income settings.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of oral iron supplementation versus placebo on the gut microbiome in non-pregnant women of reproductive age in a high-income country.
DESIGN
A 21-day prospective parallel design double-blind, randomized control trial conducted in South Australia, Australia. Women (18-45 y) were randomized to either iron (65.7 mg ferrous fumarate) or placebo. Fecal samples were collected prior to commencing supplements and after 21 days of supplementation. The primary outcome was microbiota beta-diversity (paired-sample weighted UniFrac dissimilarity) between treatment and placebo groups after 21 days of supplementation. Exploratory outcomes included changes in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa.
RESULTS
Of 82 women randomized, 80 completed the trial. There was no significant difference between the groups for weighted UniFrac dissimilarity [mean difference: 0.003 (95% confidence interval: -0.007, 0.014); p=0.52] or relative abundance of common bacterial taxa or Escherichia-Shigella (q>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Iron supplementation did not affect…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 82 participants or records.
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