Modulation of hepcidIN With Co-supplementation of Iron and FORMulated Curcumin in Recreational Athletes

Intervention study with two treatment groups in a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Healthy recreationally active athletes will perform a VO2 max test to determine their aerobic capacity. A blood sample will be taken prior to the test as baseline measurement. Following treatment with iron plus either HydroCurc or a matched placebo for a week, participants will run on a treadmill for one hour at 70% of their maximal capacity. Blood samples will be collected before, immediately after, one hour post- and three hours post-exercise. Gastrointestinal symptoms will be assessed via validated questionnaires during the supplementation period and the experimental visits. All participants will observe a minimum of a two-week washout period. All participants will attend visits fasting for a minimum of four hours.