Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Abstract
Purpose: This study was designed to assess the iron status of college distance runners over the course of a competitive season while taking notice of gender differences. The hypothesis is that markers of iron status (serum iron, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, UIBC, TIBC) are compromised throughout the course of the season, with female runners being at greater risk of iron deficiency than males.
Methods: 26 NCAA Division 1 cross country (X-country) runners (8 male, 18 female) and 19 control subjects (9 male, 10 female) were evaluated for iron status pre, mid, and post season. Markers of iron status included hematocrit, hemoglobin, total iron, UIBC, TIBC, and serum ferritin. Subjects completed a 3 day diet record prior to each blood collection, which were analyzed for iron content and inhibitors and catalysts for iron absorption.
Results: Of the 45 participants in the study 16 were considered iron deficient at baseline; 2 X-country males, 4 control females, and 10 X-country females. At 5 weeks the number of iron deficient X-country males increased to three and the same three were iron deficient at the end of the season. The number of x-country females who were iron deficient remained the same throughout the duration of the study, as did the number of control females. Only two female control subjects were considered to have iron deficient anemia. At 5 weeks, 6 female controls and 8 female X-country athletes had iron deficient anemia (IDA). At 10 weeks the numbers had improved to 2 female controls, and 2 x-country females being classified as iron deficient with anemia. There were no control males or male X-country athletes who were classified as iron deficient with anemia. At 10-weeks, all groups had significantly different hemoglobin concentrations than their respective 5-week and baseline values, however there was no affect of time on serum ferritin concentrations in any of the groups as they remained unchanged throughout the 10-weeks. Energy and iron intake was significantly higher in the male and female X-country groups compared to their controls, and intake remained the same throughout the study.
Conclusion: Iron deficiency rates among subjects was high among X-country groups (female 55%, male 38%), which is consistent with previous findings. IDA was found in female subjects only, underlying the important role menstruation plays in female iron status. Iron deficiency occurred despite more than adequate iron intake in all groups. Possible reasons for high iron deficiency rates among X-country groups include greater iron losses from sweat, GI system, and footstrike hemolysis. These findings may merit an increase RDA for iron in exercising men and women.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Iron in the body
Running -- Physiological aspects -- Sex differences
Iron deficiency anemia
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
58
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bjerke, Kevin, "Iron Status of Collegiate Male and Female Runners Over a Competitive Season" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1431.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1431
