Iron and Vitamin D Deficiency in D1 Female Track & Field Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify the prevalence of Iron and Vitamin D deficiency in D1 female track and field (T&F) athletes METHODS: In a retrospective review of medical records at a single institution, laboratory data were reviewed for female T&F athletes [BT1] from 2013 to 2019. Labs were acquired as part of the entrance pre-participation physical (PPE) including ferritin, hemoglobin, and Vitamin D. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin below 30ng·mL-1 with severe deficiency below 13 ng·mL-1. Vitamin D was classified as; below 15 ng/mL - deficient, 16-29 ng/mL insufficient, and above 30 ng/mL sufficient. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hgb) < 11.1 g·dL-1. RESULTS: Seventy-seven student-athletes were screened, 48% were iron deficient, and a further 13 % had severe iron deficiency. Of those with iron deficiency (ferritin <30, n= 37), four had anemia (n=3). For Vitamin D, 7% were deficient, 24% were insufficient, and 69% were sufficient. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to the prevalence of iron deficiency in the general US female population ages 16-49 (11%), there was an increased prevalence in our sample (48%). Interestingly, we noted a similar prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (3-5% general population vs. 4.3% in our sample). Furthermore, our results showed a 24% prevalence for Vitamin D Insufficiency consistent with the general US female population of similar age at 24-26%. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was higher in the US population at 10-11% when compared to our study at 7%. The effects and benefits of screening, intervention, and performance outcomes are a topic of ongoing investigation.