NCT07435766

Iron Absorption From IFA and MMS Supplements in Kenyan Women During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Comparing Iron Absorption From Multiple Micronutrient Supplements and Iron-folate Supplements: a Stable Isotope Study in Kenyan Pregnant Women

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: ETH Zurich · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study evaluates iron absorption from three antenatal supplements, 30 mg MMS, 60 mg MMS, and 60 mg IFA, in 50 pregnant Kenyan women in their second trimester. Using a randomized crossover design and stable iron isotopes, we will compare bioavailability in both fasted and fed states. Additionally, the trial will investigate if daily dosing triggers a hepcidin response that inhibits subsequent absorption, testing whether alternate-day dosing is a more effective strategy for treating iron deficiency.

Conditions

• Pregnancy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	MMS with 30 mg iron	Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) with 30 mg of iron given with ferrous fumarate isotope (54Fe, 57Fe, 58Fe)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	MMS with 60 mg iron	Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) with 60 mg of iron given with ferrous fumarate isotope (54Fe, 57Fe, 58Fe)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	IFA with 60 mg iron	Iron Folic Acid (IFA) with 60 mg of iron given with ferrous sulphate isotope (54Fe, 57Fe, 58Fe)

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-02
• Primary completion: 2026-07-31
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2026-02-27
• Last updated: 2026-02-27

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Kenya