Runner's anemia and iron deficiency

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Systemic iron deficiency is prevalent in athletes.
• Endurance running may increase iron loss.
• Menstruation contributes to iron depletion in female athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in joggers and competition runners.
• To identify factors contributing to iron deficiency in this population.
• To evaluate the efficacy of oral iron supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Assessed iron status (hemoglobin, transferrin, haptoglobin, serum iron) in 113 runners.
• Correlated iron levels with training intensity and gender-specific factors like menstruation.
• Administered oral iron therapy (200 mg ferrous sulfate daily) to deficient individuals.

Main Results:

• 56% of runners exhibited systemic iron deficiency.
• Latent anemia was present in 23 runners (13 women, 10 men).
• Low serum haptoglobin and iron concentrations were common; oral iron therapy normalized hemoglobin and improved transferrin saturation in 61 individuals.

Conclusions:

• Iron deficiency is common in runners and can impact health and performance.
• Intense training and menstruation are significant contributing factors.
• Oral iron supplementation is an effective treatment for iron deficiency in athletes.