IRON-METABOLISM AND SPORTS ANEMIA .1. A STUDY OF SEVERAL IRON PARAMETERS IN ELITE RUNNERS WITH DIFFERENCES IN IRON STATUS

Abstract

Several reports have suggested that Fe deficiency might explain sports anemia especially in long distance runners. The Fe metabolism in runners was studied as the proposed cause of sports anemia is abstruse considering the good Fe nutrition in these athletes. Based on a screening of 43 elite male runners, using bone marrow hemosiderin, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. Two groups of subjects were selected for a very extensive study on Fe metabolism. In group 1 (n = 5) Fe depletion was suggested in at least one of the screening studies. In group 2 (n = 7) at least one test strongly indicated good Fe repletion. This experimental design was chosen to obtain 2 groups with similar body composition and exercise load but different Fe metabolism. The studies comprised determinations of red cell and plasma volumes, plasma Fe turnover and red cell incorporation of radioiron, red cell indices, plasma Fe and transferrin, red cell protoporphyrin, serum ferritin, serum haptoglobin, urinary Fe losses, Fe absorption, bone marrow hemosiderin, dietary intake of energy and nutrients and a Desferal test. None of the subjects were truly Fe-deficient. A few occasional findings suggesting low Fe stores cannot be satisfactorily explained and indicate that further studies are needed.