Efficacy of iron supplementation for the maintenance of iron status in female Soldiers during military training

Abstract

Diminished iron status has been observed following periods of increased physical activity, including military basic combat training (BCT). The objective of this study was to determine whether iron supplementation could attenuate the decrement in iron status reported in female Soldiers following BCT. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, female Soldiers (n = 166) were provided with pills containing either ferrous sulfate (100 mg) or placebo daily through the 9‐wk BCT period. Iron status indicators were assessed in fasted volunteers prior to and immediately following BCT. In placebo‐treated volunteers there was a decrement in iron status, as red cell distribution width (RDW) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) increased (p < 0.05), and serum ferritin (SF) declined (p < 0.05). Iron supplementation mitigated the effect of BCT on some indicators of iron status, as repeated measures analyses indicate a treatment effect (p < 0.05) on SF and sTfR, but not RDW. These data suggest that daily iron supplementation may partially prevent the decrement in iron status experienced by female Soldiers during BCT. However, optimal dietary strategies and supplement dosing regimens for the maintenance of iron status during military training remain to be determined. Research supported by MRMC.