Female athletes are considered to be at a greater risk of compromised iron status which may lead to iron deficiency (with or without anaemia) due to negative iron balance contributed by insufficient dietary iron intake, menstruation, increased iron losses associated with haemolysis, sweating, gastrointestinal bleeding and exercise induced acute inflammation [4].
Tsalis G, Nikolaidis MG, Mougios V. Effects of iron intake through food or supplement on iron status and performance of healthy adolescent swimmers during a training season. Female athletes generally meet macronutrient and micronutrient requirements with the exception of iron [1, 2]. The most recent study investigating iron status in female athletes used dietary intervention, incorporating a novel and naturally iron-rich Teff bread into the daily diets of female runners [1]. Iron is an essential micronutrient in energy production pathways and is a functional component of haemoglobin and myoglobin [3]. Levels far above 20, such as 50-70 or even higher are even more ideal. levels greater than 35ng/ml) directly to performance is very challenging, as there are so many things that impact performance, Trent Stellingwerff, PhD, Senior Advisor for the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific tells Runners World. Auersperger I, kof B, Leskoek B, Knap B, Jerin A, Lainscak M. Exercise-induced changes in iron status and hepcidin response in female runners. 4-week dietary advice counselling intervention in LMIA group only. In especially high-level performers in the middle of seasons, it can be difficult to get and stay in the 20s. There is a wide range for what is considered to be a normal ferritin level, ranging from 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A four week iron-rich diet, which provided 18.2mg of iron daily, resulted in significantly higher serum ferritin concentrations in rhythmic gymnasts [43]. ibuprofen, naproxen)ones often used by athletesand antacids can also lead to iron deficiency. Other suggestions for standardization include testing first thing in the morning and in a well-hydrated state. It should be noted that the study recruited iron-repleted participants (Hb>14g/dL, sFer >30g/L), hence, the failure of high dietary iron intake to change iron status may be attributed to the homeostatic mechanisms and may explain the lack of effect. - SIG increased sFer and -ALAD activity (enzyme responsible for RBC turnover) after diet intervention. [31] reported dietary iron intake to be around 14mg/day with serum ferritin ranging from 6 to 25g/L, indicating depleted iron stores. In addition, both studies found that the intakes for most other nutrients, including daily energy, protein and Vitamin C were near recommended levels, except for iron, indicating that poor dietary iron intake might contribute to compromised iron status in this population. National Library of Medicine Furthermore, serum ferritin concentrations showed a significant negative correlation with running activity. Thats why getting a full history, checking other lab values, and using good judgement are key. So, if checking ferritin levels Ill prefer to see those 50-70+ results but will at minimum be happy with 20+. Although studies using dietary modification are still scarce, current literature suggests that dietary iron interventions can assist in maintaining iron status in female athletes, especially during intensive training and competition. Although conventional treatments of oral iron supplements and injections improve iron status in athletes [5], these methods often cause side effects including abdominal discomfort, constipation and nausea [6] and may present a risk of iron overload associated with unnecessary or unmonitored usage [7]. - No significant difference in iron status indices between LMIA and MHIA groups post-intervention, 14 male and 14 female collegiate cross country runners, aged 1824years, sFer >60g/L. The Nutrition for distance events. Ferritin is what we call an acute phase reactant which means it can go up and down quickly due to illness or inflammation in the body. Is iron treatment beneficial in, iron-deficient but non-anaemic (IDNA) endurance athletes? Training at low to moderate altitudes provides an environmental stimulus to increase red blood cells with the goal of improving performance at sea level. Di Santolo M, Stel G, Banfi G, Gonano F, Cauci S. Anemia and iron status in young fertile non-professional female athletes. Burden RJ, Morton K, Richards T, Whyte GP, Pedlar CR. Whiting SJ, Barabash WA. Iron status in elite young athletes: gender-dependent influences of diet and exercise. Report of the panel on dietary reference values of the committee on medical aspects of food policy. Researchers have demonstrated an inverse relationship between iron absorption and serum ferritin (sFer) concentration up to the level of 60g/L [19, 20], which suggests that absorption decreases to a level sufficient to cover daily iron losses in order to prevent further storage of iron. Koehler K, Braun H, Achtzehn S, Hildebrand U, Predel HG, Mester J, et al.
For instance, iron-rich foods can be consumed with fruit and vegetables, enhancing iron absorption due to the presence of higher levels of Vitamin C. Similarly, the intake of iron absorption inhibitors such as tannins in tea or coffee or calcium in milk, can be decreased or at least avoided in the same meal. Anschuetz S, Rodgers CD, Taylor AW. Furthermore whether the lack of iron in the diet contributes to lower iron status in this population is opened to further debate. This is in agreement with several other cross-sectional studies investigating the influence of dietary iron sources in female runners [2, 31, 32]. Thus dietary modification is suggested as a preferred strategy for ensuring adequate iron intake, maintenance of iron status, and as the first line of action in the prevention of iron deficiency in female athletes [8, 9]. With his team, Dr. Koutures -- board certified pediatrician, sports medicine specialist, and team physician for USA Volleyball, CSU Fullerton and Chapman University -- offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sport medicine care with an individualized approach that enhances the health and knowledge of patients and their families in Orange County, California, NOW OFFERING TELEMEDICINE ON-LINE VISITS WITH ANYTIME PEDIATRICS Click here to begin, Growth and Development in Younger Children, CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SLEEP AND OTHER RECOVERY TIPS, Maximizing Good Memories from Summer Sports Camps, A Smooth Way to Increase Vegetable Intake in Your Child, Baseball Safety: Keeping Kids Safe and Not Out. - NS differences in iron status and exercise performance among 3 groups.
Dellavalle DM, Haas JD.
Woolf K, St Thomas MM, Hahn N, Vaughan LA, Carlson AG, Hinton P. Iron status in highly active and sedentary young women. Schedule a visit with your sports medicine professional if you have concerns with any of these issues. Nevertheless, there seems to be evidence that dietary iron interventions may assist in maintaining iron status in female athletes, especially during intensive training and competition regimens. In addition, dietary iron intake was associated with low serum ferritin levels in both groups. Lampe JW, Slavin JL, Apple FS. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Conflicting evidence still exists as to whether the higher prevalence of iron deficiency in female athletes is a result of the intensive physical activity or/and inadequate iron intake, and more importantly whether mild iron deficiency impairs sport and exercise performance. Work with your doctor to determine the best course of action and figure out if supplementation is right for you. Haem iron is present within haemoglobin or myoglobin molecules and is released by proteolytic enzymes in the lumen of the stomach and the small intestine [15]. The new PMC design is here! Valentina Stojceska, Email: ku.ca.lenurb@aksecjots.anitnelav. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin a, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium and zinc. The controversy has been more around normal (or low normal) red cell counts with low ferritin. Department of Food and Tourism Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M14 6HR UK, Liverpool Hope University, School of Health Sciences, Liverpool, L16 9JD UK, Brunel University London, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH UK, Brunel University London, Institute of Energy Futures, RCUK Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains (CSEF), Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH UK. 60 exercising (2.32.5 days/week) females, previously sedentary, iron-repleted (sFer >20g/L, Hb>12g/dl) aged 1819years. Iron status of female collegiate athletes involved in different sports. Yes, leafy green vegetables have iron, but someone would have to eat a lot of spinach (like with every meal) to get their daily needs. We aim for ferritin greater than 35ng/ml and clinically normal hemoglobin, but appreciate individual athlete norms as well, says Stellingwerff. In a study carried out by Nuviala et al. Cook JD, Flowers CH, Skikne BS. Some researchers have indicated that dietary iron intake in female athletes is similar to that of general population. This indicates that regardless of the total dietary iron intake, iron absorption is strongly dependent on overall iron status. I. Intestinal iron absorption and its regulation. No worries- click on the above video and read on to learn more. Please realize that there many other possible causes of these symptoms. 12 male and 5 female collegiate middle distance runners and 6 male and 2 female non-running controls, aged 1824years, sFer <30g/L. However, this approach has been criticised because of the side effects and increased risk of iron toxicity associated with the use of supplements. Cook with a cast-iron skillet or a product like a, Consume heme iron rich foods such as beef, eggs, tuna, lamb, and kangaroo (if available). Other dietary intervention studies have demonstrated more positive effects on iron status in female athletes. Thus, its important to avoid any muscle-damaging or intense exercise about two to three days prior to your routine blood test. Influence of dietary iron source on measures of iron status among female runners. This review will focus on studies investigating the effects of dietary iron treatments on iron status in female athletes.
The physiological range of serum ferritin in adult females is 15 to 200g/L [23]. The study did however report a two to threefold lower iron status indices in non-professional female athletes compared to inactive controls. Since it takes about 100 days for extra iron to change lab values and performance, some teams check during early pre-season training. Iron nutritional status in female karatekas, handball and basketball players, and runners. In fact, high iron levels can be very toxic for the liver and heart. Iron absorption from the whole diet in men: how effective is the regulation of iron absorption? Too much iron and too high of ferritin levels can also be dangerous to overall health. [34] daily dietary iron intake of runners was reported to be 11.0mg/d whilst in controls it was 10.4mg/d.
Furthermore, the absorption of iron from the whole diet depends on not only the total amount of iron, but also the type of iron (haem or non-haem iron) and the levels of promoters like Vitamin C, certain organic acids, meat, fish and shellfish, and inhibitors like phytates, phenolic compounds, and calcium present in the diet [18]. How we test gear. Ishizaki S, Koshimizu T, Yanagisawa K, Akiyama Y, Mekada Y, Shiozawa N, et al. Supporting evidence was provided by a study of 40 female runners and 40 matched inactive counterparts [35], which showed that although the mean iron intake was similar in both groups (athletes 12.2mg/d v controls 10.8mg/d), iron depletion (sFer <20g/L) was reported in 20% of female runners compared to 10% in control subjects and haematological indices were significantly (P<0.05) lower in athletes than sedentary women. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. However this trend was only significant (P<0.05) in rowers who were training low and not those who complied with hard training regimen. The only way to determine if low iron is the culprit is to have a blood test. Snyder AC, Dvorak LL, Roepke JB.
We may earn commission if you buy from a link. A large cross-sectional study of 359 female athletes and 514 male athletes investigated haematological indices according to the predominant energy system required in difference sports [40]. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Although increased loss of several minerals, including iron, from the body during exercise has been well established, there is limited evidence of adverse effect on the body stores [27]. Iron is an essential mineral that does many important things during exercise. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The haem form of iron refers to iron from animal sources, whilst non-haem iron accounts for all other types of dietary iron. government site. IA, VS and AP conducted literature search and acquisition of data. So, it may be falsely high or low depending on how the athlete felt on the day of the blood draw. and transmitted securely. When You Consume It Matters, Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle, Proferrin ES Heme Iron Polypeptide Supplement, Vitron-C High Potency Iron Supplement with Vitamin C, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. A meta-analysis. Ferritin, as mentioned above, is an important blood marker that indicates iron storage. Effects of lean beef supplementation on iron status, body composition and performance of collegiate distance runners. Hassapidou MN, Manstrantoni A. Dietary intakes of elite female athletes in Greece. [38] found no significant difference in the frequency of anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia or latent iron-deficiency between physically active and inactive females. What You Need to Know about Ferritin Levels and Iron Deficiency. Ostojic SM, Ahmetovic Z. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the However, the direct impact on exercise performance among female athletes is unclear. However, linking ferritin levels (e.g. However, it should be noted, that haem iron constitutes only about 10% of all dietary iron [15]. aiming for 300), and supplementation is not likely to improve performance in non-depleted runners. The most convincing evidence highlighting the effects of exercise on iron status and the risk of iron deficiency is presented by Pate et al. IA analyzed data and drafted the manuscript. 8600 Rockville Pike As haem iron absorption does not require binding proteins, its uptake can be as efficient as 40% [16]. Alaunyte I, Stojceska V, Plunkett A, Derbyshire E. Dietary iron intervention using a staple food product for improvement of iron status in female runners. Hassapidou and Manstrantoni [2] observed similar iron intakes of 11.4 and 13.8mg/day in middle distance runners during training and the competition season respectively, whilst Snyder et al.
Tsalis G, Nikolaidis MG, Mougios V. Effects of iron intake through food or supplement on iron status and performance of healthy adolescent swimmers during a training season. Female athletes generally meet macronutrient and micronutrient requirements with the exception of iron [1, 2]. The most recent study investigating iron status in female athletes used dietary intervention, incorporating a novel and naturally iron-rich Teff bread into the daily diets of female runners [1]. Iron is an essential micronutrient in energy production pathways and is a functional component of haemoglobin and myoglobin [3]. Levels far above 20, such as 50-70 or even higher are even more ideal. levels greater than 35ng/ml) directly to performance is very challenging, as there are so many things that impact performance, Trent Stellingwerff, PhD, Senior Advisor for the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific tells Runners World. Auersperger I, kof B, Leskoek B, Knap B, Jerin A, Lainscak M. Exercise-induced changes in iron status and hepcidin response in female runners. 4-week dietary advice counselling intervention in LMIA group only. In especially high-level performers in the middle of seasons, it can be difficult to get and stay in the 20s. There is a wide range for what is considered to be a normal ferritin level, ranging from 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A four week iron-rich diet, which provided 18.2mg of iron daily, resulted in significantly higher serum ferritin concentrations in rhythmic gymnasts [43]. ibuprofen, naproxen)ones often used by athletesand antacids can also lead to iron deficiency. Other suggestions for standardization include testing first thing in the morning and in a well-hydrated state. It should be noted that the study recruited iron-repleted participants (Hb>14g/dL, sFer >30g/L), hence, the failure of high dietary iron intake to change iron status may be attributed to the homeostatic mechanisms and may explain the lack of effect. - SIG increased sFer and -ALAD activity (enzyme responsible for RBC turnover) after diet intervention. [31] reported dietary iron intake to be around 14mg/day with serum ferritin ranging from 6 to 25g/L, indicating depleted iron stores. In addition, both studies found that the intakes for most other nutrients, including daily energy, protein and Vitamin C were near recommended levels, except for iron, indicating that poor dietary iron intake might contribute to compromised iron status in this population. National Library of Medicine Furthermore, serum ferritin concentrations showed a significant negative correlation with running activity. Thats why getting a full history, checking other lab values, and using good judgement are key. So, if checking ferritin levels Ill prefer to see those 50-70+ results but will at minimum be happy with 20+. Although studies using dietary modification are still scarce, current literature suggests that dietary iron interventions can assist in maintaining iron status in female athletes, especially during intensive training and competition. Although conventional treatments of oral iron supplements and injections improve iron status in athletes [5], these methods often cause side effects including abdominal discomfort, constipation and nausea [6] and may present a risk of iron overload associated with unnecessary or unmonitored usage [7]. - No significant difference in iron status indices between LMIA and MHIA groups post-intervention, 14 male and 14 female collegiate cross country runners, aged 1824years, sFer >60g/L. The Nutrition for distance events. Ferritin is what we call an acute phase reactant which means it can go up and down quickly due to illness or inflammation in the body. Is iron treatment beneficial in, iron-deficient but non-anaemic (IDNA) endurance athletes? Training at low to moderate altitudes provides an environmental stimulus to increase red blood cells with the goal of improving performance at sea level. Di Santolo M, Stel G, Banfi G, Gonano F, Cauci S. Anemia and iron status in young fertile non-professional female athletes. Burden RJ, Morton K, Richards T, Whyte GP, Pedlar CR. Whiting SJ, Barabash WA. Iron status in elite young athletes: gender-dependent influences of diet and exercise. Report of the panel on dietary reference values of the committee on medical aspects of food policy. Researchers have demonstrated an inverse relationship between iron absorption and serum ferritin (sFer) concentration up to the level of 60g/L [19, 20], which suggests that absorption decreases to a level sufficient to cover daily iron losses in order to prevent further storage of iron. Koehler K, Braun H, Achtzehn S, Hildebrand U, Predel HG, Mester J, et al.
For instance, iron-rich foods can be consumed with fruit and vegetables, enhancing iron absorption due to the presence of higher levels of Vitamin C. Similarly, the intake of iron absorption inhibitors such as tannins in tea or coffee or calcium in milk, can be decreased or at least avoided in the same meal. Anschuetz S, Rodgers CD, Taylor AW. Furthermore whether the lack of iron in the diet contributes to lower iron status in this population is opened to further debate. This is in agreement with several other cross-sectional studies investigating the influence of dietary iron sources in female runners [2, 31, 32]. Thus dietary modification is suggested as a preferred strategy for ensuring adequate iron intake, maintenance of iron status, and as the first line of action in the prevention of iron deficiency in female athletes [8, 9]. With his team, Dr. Koutures -- board certified pediatrician, sports medicine specialist, and team physician for USA Volleyball, CSU Fullerton and Chapman University -- offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sport medicine care with an individualized approach that enhances the health and knowledge of patients and their families in Orange County, California, NOW OFFERING TELEMEDICINE ON-LINE VISITS WITH ANYTIME PEDIATRICS Click here to begin, Growth and Development in Younger Children, CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SLEEP AND OTHER RECOVERY TIPS, Maximizing Good Memories from Summer Sports Camps, A Smooth Way to Increase Vegetable Intake in Your Child, Baseball Safety: Keeping Kids Safe and Not Out. - NS differences in iron status and exercise performance among 3 groups.
Dellavalle DM, Haas JD.
Woolf K, St Thomas MM, Hahn N, Vaughan LA, Carlson AG, Hinton P. Iron status in highly active and sedentary young women. Schedule a visit with your sports medicine professional if you have concerns with any of these issues. Nevertheless, there seems to be evidence that dietary iron interventions may assist in maintaining iron status in female athletes, especially during intensive training and competition regimens. In addition, dietary iron intake was associated with low serum ferritin levels in both groups. Lampe JW, Slavin JL, Apple FS. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Conflicting evidence still exists as to whether the higher prevalence of iron deficiency in female athletes is a result of the intensive physical activity or/and inadequate iron intake, and more importantly whether mild iron deficiency impairs sport and exercise performance. Work with your doctor to determine the best course of action and figure out if supplementation is right for you. Haem iron is present within haemoglobin or myoglobin molecules and is released by proteolytic enzymes in the lumen of the stomach and the small intestine [15]. The new PMC design is here! Valentina Stojceska, Email: ku.ca.lenurb@aksecjots.anitnelav. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin a, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium and zinc. The controversy has been more around normal (or low normal) red cell counts with low ferritin. Department of Food and Tourism Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M14 6HR UK, Liverpool Hope University, School of Health Sciences, Liverpool, L16 9JD UK, Brunel University London, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH UK, Brunel University London, Institute of Energy Futures, RCUK Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains (CSEF), Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH UK. 60 exercising (2.32.5 days/week) females, previously sedentary, iron-repleted (sFer >20g/L, Hb>12g/dl) aged 1819years. Iron status of female collegiate athletes involved in different sports. Yes, leafy green vegetables have iron, but someone would have to eat a lot of spinach (like with every meal) to get their daily needs. We aim for ferritin greater than 35ng/ml and clinically normal hemoglobin, but appreciate individual athlete norms as well, says Stellingwerff. In a study carried out by Nuviala et al. Cook JD, Flowers CH, Skikne BS. Some researchers have indicated that dietary iron intake in female athletes is similar to that of general population. This indicates that regardless of the total dietary iron intake, iron absorption is strongly dependent on overall iron status. I. Intestinal iron absorption and its regulation. No worries- click on the above video and read on to learn more. Please realize that there many other possible causes of these symptoms. 12 male and 5 female collegiate middle distance runners and 6 male and 2 female non-running controls, aged 1824years, sFer <30g/L. However, this approach has been criticised because of the side effects and increased risk of iron toxicity associated with the use of supplements. Cook with a cast-iron skillet or a product like a, Consume heme iron rich foods such as beef, eggs, tuna, lamb, and kangaroo (if available). Other dietary intervention studies have demonstrated more positive effects on iron status in female athletes. Thus, its important to avoid any muscle-damaging or intense exercise about two to three days prior to your routine blood test. Influence of dietary iron source on measures of iron status among female runners. This review will focus on studies investigating the effects of dietary iron treatments on iron status in female athletes.
The physiological range of serum ferritin in adult females is 15 to 200g/L [23]. The study did however report a two to threefold lower iron status indices in non-professional female athletes compared to inactive controls. Since it takes about 100 days for extra iron to change lab values and performance, some teams check during early pre-season training. Iron nutritional status in female karatekas, handball and basketball players, and runners. In fact, high iron levels can be very toxic for the liver and heart. Iron absorption from the whole diet in men: how effective is the regulation of iron absorption? Too much iron and too high of ferritin levels can also be dangerous to overall health. [34] daily dietary iron intake of runners was reported to be 11.0mg/d whilst in controls it was 10.4mg/d.
Furthermore, the absorption of iron from the whole diet depends on not only the total amount of iron, but also the type of iron (haem or non-haem iron) and the levels of promoters like Vitamin C, certain organic acids, meat, fish and shellfish, and inhibitors like phytates, phenolic compounds, and calcium present in the diet [18]. How we test gear. Ishizaki S, Koshimizu T, Yanagisawa K, Akiyama Y, Mekada Y, Shiozawa N, et al. Supporting evidence was provided by a study of 40 female runners and 40 matched inactive counterparts [35], which showed that although the mean iron intake was similar in both groups (athletes 12.2mg/d v controls 10.8mg/d), iron depletion (sFer <20g/L) was reported in 20% of female runners compared to 10% in control subjects and haematological indices were significantly (P<0.05) lower in athletes than sedentary women. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. However this trend was only significant (P<0.05) in rowers who were training low and not those who complied with hard training regimen. The only way to determine if low iron is the culprit is to have a blood test. Snyder AC, Dvorak LL, Roepke JB.
We may earn commission if you buy from a link. A large cross-sectional study of 359 female athletes and 514 male athletes investigated haematological indices according to the predominant energy system required in difference sports [40]. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Although increased loss of several minerals, including iron, from the body during exercise has been well established, there is limited evidence of adverse effect on the body stores [27]. Iron is an essential mineral that does many important things during exercise. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The haem form of iron refers to iron from animal sources, whilst non-haem iron accounts for all other types of dietary iron. government site. IA, VS and AP conducted literature search and acquisition of data. So, it may be falsely high or low depending on how the athlete felt on the day of the blood draw. and transmitted securely. When You Consume It Matters, Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle, Proferrin ES Heme Iron Polypeptide Supplement, Vitron-C High Potency Iron Supplement with Vitamin C, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. A meta-analysis. Ferritin, as mentioned above, is an important blood marker that indicates iron storage. Effects of lean beef supplementation on iron status, body composition and performance of collegiate distance runners. Hassapidou MN, Manstrantoni A. Dietary intakes of elite female athletes in Greece. [38] found no significant difference in the frequency of anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia or latent iron-deficiency between physically active and inactive females. What You Need to Know about Ferritin Levels and Iron Deficiency. Ostojic SM, Ahmetovic Z. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the However, the direct impact on exercise performance among female athletes is unclear. However, linking ferritin levels (e.g. However, it should be noted, that haem iron constitutes only about 10% of all dietary iron [15]. aiming for 300), and supplementation is not likely to improve performance in non-depleted runners. The most convincing evidence highlighting the effects of exercise on iron status and the risk of iron deficiency is presented by Pate et al. IA analyzed data and drafted the manuscript. 8600 Rockville Pike As haem iron absorption does not require binding proteins, its uptake can be as efficient as 40% [16]. Alaunyte I, Stojceska V, Plunkett A, Derbyshire E. Dietary iron intervention using a staple food product for improvement of iron status in female runners. Hassapidou and Manstrantoni [2] observed similar iron intakes of 11.4 and 13.8mg/day in middle distance runners during training and the competition season respectively, whilst Snyder et al.