Methods
Design and participants
This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Newcastle, Australia from 2012 to 2013. Participants in this study were being recruited for a randomised controlled trial on the effects of iron deficiency and cognitive function. Eligibility criteria were that participants were female and aged between 18–35 years, were not diagnosed as iron deficient within the past 12 months and not currently taking iron supplements. Recruitment was conducted via flyers at the University of Newcastle (Callaghan campus), Technical Education (TAFE) College, accessing the volunteer register at Hunter Medical Research Institute and word-of-mouth. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.