Iron deficiency and aerobic endurance performance in a female club runner

Abstract

Summary Objective This study aimed to monitor longitudinal changes in performance and aerobic adaptations as well as ferritin (Fer) and additional markers pertaining to iron status in an iron deficient female runner. Methods Over 26 months, a venous blood sample was taken every 3 months, lactate profiling and VO2max tests were conducted every 5–6 months. Running performance was recorded during 5 km timed runs (Parkrun). The intervention consisted of iron supplementation, increases in dietary iron intake and implementing a structured approach to training. Results Fer values increased from 4 to 40 μg.L−1 during the period of investigation. Running times improved from 28:02 (m:s) to 23:15. Hemoglobin increased from 9.8 g.dL−1 to 13.7 g.dL−1. Hematocrit ranged from 31.8 to 37.9%, peaking at 40.4%. Mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin increased from 70 fl to 89 fl and 21.5 pg to 30.1 pg, respectively. VO2max improved from 47.40 to 55.79 mLO2.kg.min−1. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that iron supplementation, increase in dietary iron intake and structured training induced improvements in: (i) Fer and other markers of iron status, (ii) running performance and (iii) VO2max of an iron deficient female club runner.