All statistical analyses will be conducted with IBM SPSS Statistic Data Editor Software (Version 21). Assuming that the data is normally distributed after performing a Shapiro Wilks normality test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures will be conducted to compare the mean differences for all measured parameters within each group at baseline, interim and post intervention. The changes in the measured parameters between the periods of the study will be analysed using paired t-test. Pearson's correlation test will be performed to investigate the relationship between hepcidin profile and iron status biomarkers. A non-parametric approach will be adopted if the data is not normally distributed for all analyses. Differences will be considered significant with a p value ≤ 0.05.