Cross-over Study to Evaluate the Rate and the Extent of Iron Absorption of an ODF Iron Supplement vs an Iron Supplement in Capsules

Open, monocentric, comparative cross-over study to compare the rate and the extent of iron absorption after a single oral dose of (A) IBSA Iron orodispersible film vs (B) SiderAL® FORTE capsules in healthy women aged 18 to 55 years.

IBSA Iron is a food supplement based on ferric pyrophosphate and folic acid in orodispersible film.

SiderAL® FORTE is a preparation based on ferric pyrophosphate and Vit.C in capsules.

Each subject will be observed for two consecutive days (phase I, day -1 and day 0) and after a 7-day washout (phase II) for an additional two consecutive days (day -1 and day 0). Half of the enrolled subjects will take A in phase I and B in phase II; the remaining half of the enrolled subjects will take B in phase I and A in phase II.

In the two days (day -1 and day 0) of both phases, peripheral blood samples will be taken and the defined parameters, indicative of blood iron levels, will be measured.

The primary endpoint is the AUC0-t, Tmax and Cmax of serum iron. The secondary endpoints are the standard parameters indicative of blood iron levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Written informed consent signed prior to inclusion in the study;
• Women 18-55 years;
• Ability to understand the nature and the purpose of the study, including possible risks and side effects;
• Cability to collaborate with the investigator and meet the requirements of the entire study

Exclusion criteria

• Smoke
• Clinically significant abnormalities in the ECG evaluation
• Clinically significant abnormal laboratory values indicative of disease
• Known allergy or presumed hypersensitivity to the food supplement investigated (iron) and / or to the excipients of the two formulations;
• History of anaphylaxis from drugs, dietary supplements or allergic reactions in general, which the investigator believed could influence the outcome of the study
• Significant history of kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, haematological, endocrine or neurological diseases that may interfere with the purpose of the study
• Taking herbal remedies and dietary supplements in the 2 weeks prior to the start of the study
• Taking corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, antibiotics, antiepileptics
• Alcohol abuse
• Any clinical condition that in the investigator's judgment is deemed incompatible with study participation
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding