Efficacy of iron supplementation on fatigue and physical capacity in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, Perija B, Rimmer E, Rabbani R, Bernstein CN, Turgeon AF, Fergusson DA, Houston DS, Abou-Setta AM, Zarychanski R
Published in BMJ Open
Methodology
Systematic review of 18 randomised controlled trials of oral or intravenous iron in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults, assessing fatigue and physical capacity.
Key Findings
Iron supplementation significantly reduced fatigue scores in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults but did not consistently improve objective measures of physical capacity such as maximal oxygen uptake.
Conclusions
Iron reduces subjective fatigue in non-anaemic iron deficiency; objective performance benefits are unproven.
Limitations
Heterogeneous fatigue instruments, mostly female participants, short follow-up, some industry-funded trials.
Supplements Studied
Iron supplementation significantly reduced fatigue scores in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults but did not consistently improve physical capacity.
Outcomes Measured
Iron reduced fatigue in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults without consistent gains in objective physical capacity.
Iron reduced fatigue in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults without consistent gains in objective physical capacity.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Canadian academic and hospital research funding
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.