Iron Deficiency- More Common among Female Athletes than Nonathletes?

Abstract

0820 Background: It is well known that iron deficiency (ID) is common in the female population. Sometimes the ID is of such dignity that it may cause iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Low iron stores with normal hemoglobin values has not been linked with decreased physical performance. We have earlier reported that about 50% of female athletes have ID. In this study we have compared the prevalence of ID and IDA in sporting and non sporting females. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ID and IDA in a large population of junior female athletes compared with a group of female non-athletes. Methods: 80 female students in a senior high school for athletes and 130 female students in a ordinary senior high school were offered to participate in the study. 55 (70%) respectively 92 (71%) went through the blood tests. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), s-iron, s-total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and s-ferritin were analysed with standard laboratory methods to determine the prevalence of ID and IDA. Hb concentration below 120 g/L was classified as absolute anemia according to the WHO's definition. S-ferritin < 16μg/L was classed as certain ID and the combination of s-ferritin 16–20μg and a transferring saturation < 20% was classed as probable ID in this study. Result: ID was seen in 53% (29/55) in the group of female athletes and in 47% (43/92) in the control group. The mean hemoglobin values in both groups were 137 g/L. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups looking at transferrin saturation and ferritin concentration. Conclusion: ID was common in both groups and seems to be more common in this study than previously reported prevalence figures. ID is most likely the result of primary losses by menses and inadequate dietary intake. According to the results of this study intense training does not give a higher occurrence of ID.