Decreased Iron Stores in High School Female Runners

Iron Deficiency in Athletes

“…2,14,15 Are these subjects with low serum ferritin levels truly iron deficient? The observation in previous reports that iron deficiency is consis¬ tently greater in female subjects has implied a substantial contribution by menstrual iron loss.…”

Elevated Serum Hepcidin Levels during an Intensified Training Period in Well-Trained Female Long-Distance Runners

“…Ferritin levels were reduced in female endurance athletes [22] and professional soccer players [33] during the competitive seasons. Somewhat surprisingly, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum hepcidin and ferritin levels during both LOW and INT.…”

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation to Athletes

“…Supplements containing low doses of iron (1.8-50 mg) given to athletes who were not iron deficient did not significantly improve hemoglobin or iron status (25,59,119). When supplements containing larger dosages of iron (1.00 mg or more) were given to iron deficient athletes, significant improvements in hemoglobin and iron status were observed (23, 105,124,135,138). Although iron supplements are not beneficial in improving iron status in persons with normal iron stores, they may prevent iron stores from becoming depleted during training.…”