[Iron deficiency and anemia in junior women's competitive sport]

An iron deficient athlete is likely to develop iron deficiency anemia, a pathology that may lead to a decrease in performance. If adult athletes, women and men, are aware of the need for regular monitoring, young people under 18 are not necessarily aware of the risks associated with competitive sports practice in the presence of anemia. Even if the guidelines are well known and described, a lack of regular monitoring is found for the aforementioned age group. In junior female athletes practicing basketball, a significant rate of iron deficiency or even iron deficiency anemia was found during annual analyses. The authors wish to emphasize the importance of regular medical and laboratory follow-up for younger athletes who often no longer have a pediatrician and no attending physician.