Ferritin-guided iron supplementation in whole blood donors: optimal dosage, donor response, return and efficacy (FORTE)-a randomised controlled trial protocol.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Frequent whole blood donors have an increased risk of developing iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can have detrimental health effects when left untreated. Donation intervals are commonly too short to replenish iron stores and extending these reduces donor availability. Oral iron supplementation is known to shorten iron store recovery time but may also induce gastrointestinal complaints. We aim to optimise the effectiveness of iron supplements while minimising the risks of side effects. Therefore, we will evaluate the impact of different iron supplementation protocols in terms of dosage and frequency on ferritin and haemoglobin levels, gastrointestinal side effects, iron deficiency-related symptoms and donor return compared with placebo supplementation.

METHODS:

Twelve hundred whole blood donors with ferritin levels ≤30 µg/L are included into a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Participants are randomly allocated to one of six arms, administering capsules containing 0 mg, 30 mg or 60 mg of iron, either on alternate days or daily for 56 days. At baseline and 56, 122 and 182 days of follow-up, ferritin and haemoglobin levels are measured, and compliance, donor return, dietary iron intake, gastrointestinal, iron deficiency-related symptoms and general health are assessed by questionnaire.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:

This study will provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of different frequencies and dosages of administration of iron supplements on iron status and health effects, thereby considering individual differences in treatment adherence and lifestyle. The outcome will provide scientific evidence to guide the debate if and how oral iron supplements may support the recovery of whole blood donors with low ferritin levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

NL8590; The Dutch trial registry.

• Authors: Jan Karregat, Maike G Sweegers, Franke A Quee, Henriëtte H Weekamp, Dorine W Swinkels, Vĕra M J Novotny, Hans L Zaaijer, Katja van den Hurk
• Journal: BMJ open (BMJ Open) Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. e056316 (03 09 2022) ISSN: 2044-6055 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35264362 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial Protocol, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Chemical References

• Hemoglobins
• Iron, Dietary
• Ferritins
• Iron

Topics

• Anemia, Iron-Deficiency (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Blood Donors
• Dietary Supplements
• Ferritins
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Humans
• Iron
• Iron Deficiencies
• Iron, Dietary
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic