Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: 1. 10-26 years old; 2. diagnosis of scoliosis or kyphosis; 3. self-reported ability to swallow a tablet; 4. spinal fusion procedure planned approximately 6 to 24 weeks from an orthopedic surgical clinic visit at which patient agrees to phlebotomy for screening blood work; 5. serum ferritin less than or equal to 25 µg/L. Exclusion Criteria: 1. taking or planning to take iron-containing supplement on patient's own volition, and not willing to stop for duration of study; 2. taking or planning to take iron-containing supplement as prescribed or recommended under the care of a physician; 3. Hg \<10mg/dL if post-menarchal, Hg \< 11 if premenarchal or male 4. C-reactive protein \> 10 mg/L 5. receiving nutritional support by report in the medical chart; 6. self-reported history of hypersensitivity reaction to iron-containing supplements; 7. self-reported history of or suspected non-iron deficient hematologic disorder; 8. self-reported history of iron overloaded state such as hereditary hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis; 9. objection to receiving red blood cell transfusions; 10. current pregnancy (by self-report); 11. prisoners; 12. patient or parent decides against study participation.