Zinc status relates to hematological deficits in women endurance runners.

Abstract

Zn status to some extent can account for hematological abnormalities in female endurance runners.

Acute inhibition of iron bioavailability by zinc: studies in humans

“…The finding from a few long term studies showing that the combined supplementation with Fe and Zn was less effective than single supplementation with Fe in improving Fe status (Dijkhuizen et al 2001;Lind et al 2003;Schultink et al 1997) may be attributed to the inhibitory effect of Zn on Fe bioavailability; however, other studies have not confirmed the unfavorable effect of combined supplementation with both elements (Fischer-Walker et al 2005), and three studies performed in subjects presumably Fe and Zn deficient found a higher increase of hemoglobin after combined Fe and Zn supplementation than with either Fe or Zn supplementation alone (Nishiyama et al 1996(Nishiyama et al , 1998(Nishiyama et al , 1999. This discrepancy may be partially explained by differences in the Zn to Fe ratio of the supplements and/or differences on the prior Fe and Zn status of the subjects.…”

Studies to Determine the Usefulness of the Zinc Clearance Test to Diagnose Marginal Zinc Deficiency and the Effects of Oral Zinc Supplementation for Short Children

“…Nishiyama et al reported that the mean serum zinc concentration was 86.2 g/dl in seven Japanese female athletes with anemia whose ClZn values were high (Ͼ25 ml/ kg/hour) and 86.6 g/dl in 14 Japanese female athletes whose ClZn values were not high [9]. There was no difference in serum zinc levels between the two groups, despite the significant difference in ClZn values.…”

Preventive Effect of Lactoferrin Intake on Anemia in Female Long Distance Runners

“…14) Anemia is often observed in athletes, especially endurance athletes, and this is commonly called sports anemia. The possible causes of sports anemia range from simple ones, such as lack of sufficient nourishment (iron or protein), 15) to hemolysis due to the impact running or landing after a jump, breakdown of red blood cells due to increased blood flow during heavy exercise, the release of hemolytic factors (lysolecithin and so on) from the spleen, 16) increased red cell membrane fragility due to insufficient oxygen, 17) and loss of iron in sweat, 18) urine, and stools. 19) In particular, female long distance runners who are menstruating and controlling their weight strictly can easily develop sports anemia.…”