Iron status declines in male Soldiers during military training despite increased dietary iron intake

Abstract

Iron is a nutritionally essential trace element known to affect physical and cognitive performance. Previous studies indicate a significant reduction in iron status in female Soldiers immediately following basic combat training (BCT). As iron status has not been assessed in male Soldiers during military training, the objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effects of a 10-week BCT course on dietary iron intake and iron status indicators in male Soldiers. Iron status indicators were assessed in blood from fasted volunteers (n = 100, age [mean ± SD] = 23.0 ± 5.3 yrs) at four timepoints during BCT. Dietary iron intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires pre- and post-BCT. Despite increased iron intake (13.5 ± 0.9 pre-BCT vs. 18.7 ± 1.0 mg/day post-BCT, P < 0.05), iron status declined (P < 0.05) during BCT as demonstrated by reductions in serum ferritin (19.5 %), transferrin saturation (24.8 %), and hemoglobin (4.8 %). Future studies should assess the potential functional impact of declines in iron status in male Soldiers. Furthermore, the mechanism by which iron status declines during military training should be considered when developing countermeasures to prevent diminished iron status. Research supported by MRMC.