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[Pseudo-anemia caused by sports]
P Bärtsch1, H Mairbäurl, B Friedmann
1Abteilung für Sport- und Leistungsmedizin der Medizinischen Universitätsklinik Heidelberg.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|June 4, 1998
Summary
Athletes may experience "pseudoanemia" due to increased plasma volume from training. Iron supplementation only improves athletic performance if true iron deficiency anemia is present, not in mild iron deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Regular physical training increases plasma volume, potentially causing dilutional anemia in athletes.
- True iron deficiency anemia is not more prevalent in athletes than the general population.
- Athletes may develop mild or true iron deficiency due to increased iron loss and insufficient intake.
Purpose:
- To differentiate between dilutional pseudoanemia and true iron deficiency in athletes.
- To evaluate the impact of iron supplementation on athletic performance based on iron status.
Summary:
- Increased plasma volume in athletes can lead to a dilutional pseudoanemia, distinct from true iron deficiency.
- Iron deficiency can occur in athletes due to increased iron loss (e.g., running, menstruation) and inadequate dietary intake, especially during growth periods.
- Iron supplementation (200 mg/day) enhances athletic performance solely when correcting iron deficiency anemia (low hemoglobin).
Impact:
- Clarifies that iron supplementation is beneficial only for athletes with confirmed iron deficiency anemia.
- Highlights the importance of assessing iron status before supplementation to avoid unnecessary interventions.
- Provides evidence-based guidance for athletes and clinicians regarding iron management and performance optimization.