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Iron status and exercise^1,2,3

¹ From the Nutrition Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA.

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is likely to be higher in athletic populations and groups, especially in younger female athletes, than in healthy sedentary individuals. In anemic individuals, iron deficiency often not only decreases athletic performance but also impairs immune function and leads to other physiologic dysfunction. Although it is likely that dietary choices explain much of a negative iron balance, evidence also exists for increased rates of red cell iron and whole-body iron turnover. Other explanations of decreased absorption and increased sweat or urine losses are unlikely. The young female athlete may want to consider use of low-dose iron supplements under medical and dietary supervision to prevent a decline in iron status during training.

Key Words: Iron deficiency • aerobic capacity • exercise endurance • anemia

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