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 VolunteersOnly) or exercises at least 2 times per week and able to complete two mile runin ≤ 21 minutes (Civilian Volunteers)

• Willing to not exercise, or drink alcoholic/caffeinated beverages 24 hoursprior to each testing session

• Willing to not perform any strenuous exercise 36 hours prior to each testingsession

Exclusion Criteria:

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

• Taking prescription medication, or over-the-counter medications other thancontraceptives, 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 areasthat 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 AltitudeCerebral 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 <12.5g/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 ofcardiovascular 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 ofimmobility 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 studyorientation)

• 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 substanceabuse issues

• Body mass <50 kg (110.5 lbs)

• History of hyperparathyroidism

• History of vitamin D deficiency

• History of systemic inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupuserythematosus)

• Any drug allergies

• History of hypersensitivity reaction

• History of asthma

• History of kidney or liver disease

• Any previous intravenous iron injection