Assessing the Effect of a Mineral-enriched Powder on Iron Deficiency in Women of Reproductive Age

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-pregnant and non-lactating

• English speaking with the ability to give informed consent

• 18-35 years of age (inclusive)

• Women who are biologically female

• Iron deficient (SF >/=12μg/L and </=30 μg/L). Note: there is currently poorconsensus on diagnostic criteria for iron deficiency based on SF concentrations.Current recommendations range from 15 μg/L to 100 μg/L.

• Hb >/=110 g/L

• Willing and able to agree to the requirements and lifestyle restrictions of thisstudy

• Able to understand and read the questionnaires in English and carry out allstudy-related procedures

• Located in the greater Ottawa area and a resident of Ontario

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are lactating, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during thestudy

• Individuals who are not maintaining adequate birth control measures

• Adequate birth control measures include any option that will adequately preventpregnancy including: contraceptives, lifestyle choices, complete abstinence, oras a result of other medical methods, procedures, or conditions

• Have a known sensitivity, intolerability, or allergy to any of the study products ortheir excipients

• Are using vitamin and mineral supplements containing iron and/or zinc

• SF concentrations <12 μg/L or >30 μg/L

• Having moderate or severe anaemia (Hb <109 g/L)

• Expecting to change diet and exercise regimen in the next 6 months

• Are frequent blood donors

• Have donated blood in the last four months

• Donate blood more than two to three times per year

• Had major surgery in the past three months

• Have planned surgery during the course of the study

• History of problematic alcohol or substance use in the 12 months prior to screening (including having been hospitalized for such in an in-patient or out-patientintervention program)

• Use of investigational product(s) in another research study within 30 days prior tothe baseline visit or during the study duration

• Using any of the following drugs:

• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers

• Salicylates, aspirin, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• Anticoagulants, antiplatelet compounds

• Drugs with known contraindication with iron supplementation or fortification

• Antiviral medications

• Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

• Known medical history of specific conditions including:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn'sdisease

• Gastric cancer and gastric polyps

• Colon cancer

• Diverticular bleeding

• Inflammatory bowel diseases

• Angiodysplasia

• Helicobacter pylori infection

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus)

• Defects of hemostasis (hereditary hemorrhagic telangectasia, von Willebranddisease)

• Gastrectomy, duodenal bypass, bariatric surgery

• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy

• Chronic kidney disease

• Hemochromatosis

• Hemoglobinopathies

• Blood clotting disorder

• Have any other active or unstable medical conditions or use ofmedications/supplements/ therapies that according to the scientific literature, mayadversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures orpose a significant risk to the participant or the quality of the study data.