Nutritional Intake and Hematological Parameters in Endurance Runners

Abstract

In brief This study of the nutritional intake and hematological parameters in 52 middle-distance and distance runners at Simon Fraser University showed that the mean energy intake was 3,020 kcal a day for men and 2,026 kcal a day for women. The women's mean iron intake was 12.5 mg a day, which is below the recommended daily intake of 14 mg a day. The men's intake was adequate at 18.5 mg a day. Although mean hemoglobin levels were 14.8 gm/100 ml for men and 13.3 gm/100 ml for women, 29% of the men and 82% of the women had plasma ferritin concentrations at risk for iron deficiency.