Inclusion criteria:
Age 18–45 years
Hemoglobin (Hb) level of 9–12 g/dL (mild to moderate anemia in non-pregnant women)
Serum ferritin level below 30 ng/mL (depleted iron stores)
No use of iron supplements, iron-containing multivitamins, or antioxidant supplements during the 4 weeks prior to the study
No regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the 2 weeks prior to the study
No history of hypersensitivity to bee products
No history of chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, diabetic, hepatic, or renal diseases
No hematological disorders other than iron deficiency anemia
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
No severe obesity (BMI <35 kg/m²)
Willingness to participate and complete the 8-week study period
Exclusion criteria:
History of hypersensitivity to bee products
History of chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, diabetic, hepatic, or renal diseases
Hematological disorders other than iron deficiency anemia
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²)
Use of iron supplements, iron‑containing multivitamins, or antioxidant supplements during the 4 weeks prior to the study
Regular use of nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the 2 weeks prior to the study
Unwillingness to participate and complete the 8‑week study period
Severe anemia (hemoglobin < 9 g/dL) or anemia due to other causes (hemoglobin > 12 g/dL)
Inability to perform the exercise test due to musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or coordination problems (based on test termination criteria such as dizziness, ataxia, severe hypotension, etc.)