Iron status in elite skiers

Abstract

The iron status of 54 male and 30 female elite skiers (biathlon, alpine and cross-country skiers) was studied during snow training and compared with that of relevant control groups. There was no significant difference between skiers and controls in mean Hb, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, frequency of iron deficiency or anemia. Iron deficiency was found in 4 women (1 of whom was anemic) and 1 man, all in the cross-country group. The urinary iron concentration, investigated 1 day after hard cross-country training in 29 skiers, did not differ from that of a control group. In a separate study, 13 cross-country skiers were followed with repeated tests during a whole year. No change was seen in their iron status. Our results show that the iron status of both endurance and alpine skiers is comparable to that of a normal population and that there is no need for routine iron supplementation.