How does iron deficiency affect endurance training in female collegiate rowers?

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine whether iron deficiency (ID) impairs the ability of rowers to increase their training quality (TQ) and performance in response to iron (Fe) supplementation. Female rowers (N=186) were screened for ID to assess ferritin (sFer), transferrin receptor, red blood cell indices, & alpha‐glycoprotein at the beginning of a training season. Across all schools, 27% of rowers had impaired Fe status (sFer <20 ug/L), and 10% were identified as anemic (Hgb<12.0 g/dL). During the first week of training (BL), rowers across a range of Fe status (N=59) had body composition measured, & completed both a VO2max test and a 4K time trial (TT) at a work rate (WR) of 85% of their VO2max on the rowing ergometer. Blood lactate was measured during testing. Continuing subjects (N=47) were then randomized to receive either 100 mg/d FeSO4 or a placebo for 8‐weeks (during their training season), and the 4K TT at the BL WR was repeated at 8‐weeks. During the trial, physical activity (PA) and measures of TQ were recorded daily, and accelerometry was used bi‐weekly to assess PA during and outside of training. The following hypotheses will be tested: 1) Fe supplementation of ID rowers will improve Fe status, and TQ; and 2) as TQ improves, endurance performance will improve. Funded by grants from the American Dietetic Association Foundation, Cornell University's Division of Nutritional Sciences, and the N.S. Meinig Professorship.