Women needed for anaemia study

Young women from 18 to 25 years of age with mild anaemia are needed to help in a new Southern Cross University study on the effectiveness of iron supplements.

Study coordinator Dr Joan O'Connor said young women might want to be involved to find out more about their general health, their blood readings or to try a supply of the product.

Anaemia is a decrease in haemoglobin levels caused by reduced red blood cell production, increased destruction of red cells or loss of blood. Anaemia can come about through hereditary or nutritional causes. Symptoms, depending on severity, can include pallor, dizziness, fatigue, marked breathlessness upon exertion, headache or insomnia.

"Women are at greatest risk for iron deficiency due to menstruation and childbearing effects," Dr O'Connor said.

She said participants in the 42-day trial would need to attend a clinic at SCU's Lismore campus on four occasions during the study.

"Participants will take the product three times a day. Blood samples will need to be taken on three occasions during the six-week trial."

Dr O'Connor said the supplements concerned were two celloid iron supplements. She said they were natural products, considered non-toxic and generally safe. Both were listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration for sale to the public, and had been available for over 40 years.

"We would ask that participants continue their usual diet or exercise routine during the trial. Also participants would need to stop taking other herbal supplements such as vitamins and minerals during the trial."

The study is being conducted through the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research, a joint venture between the University of Queensland and Southern Cross University dedicated to exploring the science of complementary medicine.

For more information on the trial contact Dr Joan O'Connor on joconnor@scu.edu.au or phone 6620 3649.