Intravenous Iron Effects on Performance at High Altitude

Inclusion Criteria

• Man or woman, age 18-40 years

• BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2
• In good health as determined by the Office of Medical Support \& Oversight (OMSO) General Medical Clearance
• Passed his/her most recent Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) (Military Volunteers Only) or exercises at least 2 times per week and able to complete two mile run in ≤ 21 minutes (Civilian Volunteers)
• Willing to not exercise, or drink alcoholic/caffeinated beverages 24 hours prior to each testing session
• Willing to not perform any strenuous exercise 36 hours prior to each testing session

Exclusion Criteria

• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study

• Taking prescription medication, or over-the-counter medications other than contraceptives, unless approved by OMSO \& PI
• Taking dietary supplements unless approved by OMSO \& PI
• Born at altitudes greater than 2,100 m (7,000 ft)
• Living in areas that are more than 1,200 m (4,000 ft) or have traveled to areas that are more than 1,200 m for five days or more within the last 2 months
• Prior diagnosis of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
• Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise the ability to walk/run on a treadmill
• Presence of abnormal blood chemicals (hemoglobin S or Sickle Cell Trait)
• Hemoglobin concentration: men: Hb \<13.5 g/dL or Hb >17.7 g/dL; women Hb \<12.5 g/dL or Hb >15.9 g/dL
• Ferritin \< 50 ng/mL or greater than 150 ng/mL
• Any history of malignancy
• Personal or family history of blood clots
• History of thromboembolic disease, hypertension, and known risk factors of cardiovascular disease
• Blood donation within 8 weeks of beginning the study
• History of seizures
• History of inflammatory bowel disease
• Any recent (within 4-6 weeks) and or expected history of prolonged periods of immobility or limited activity (including recent or upcoming surgery)
• Abnormal PT/PTT test or problems with blood clotting
• Any nicotine or recreational drug use (unless quit > 1 month prior to study orientation)
• Presence of respiratory tract infections (\< 1 month prior)
• Experience recent cold, coughs, or sinus infections (\< 2 weeks prior)
• Allergy to skin adhesive
• Evidence of apnea or sleeping disorder
• Present condition of alcoholism, use of anabolic steroids, other substance abuse issues
• Body mass \<50 kg (110.5 lbs)
• History of hyperparathyroidism
• History of vitamin D deficiency
• History of systemic inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus)
• Any drug allergies
• History of hypersensitivity reaction
• History of asthma
• History of kidney or liver disease
• Any previous intravenous iron injection