Iron status and diet in athletes

Richard D. Telford, Ross B. Cunningham, Vicki Deakin, Deborah A. Kerr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plasma ferritin (F) concentrations were measured (range 12-245 ng. ml-1) as an indicator of iron status in 24 male and 45 female healthy, nonancmic athletes. Usual food intake was assessed using a self-completed but supervised food frequency questionnaire. Linear regression was applied to determine the relationship between log F (as data was skewed) and average daily intake of iron (Fe). meat (M), protein (Pr). carbohydrate (CHO), fat (Fa), fiber (Fi), and kilojoules (Kj). There were negative correlations between F and each of Kj (P < 0.01) and CHO (P < 0.001), and a positive correlation between F and Pr/Kj (P < 0.01). No significant relationship existed between F and any of Fe, M, Fa. or Fi. These data suggest that iron or meat intake may not be important determinants of iron status in these athletes. Instead, the percentage of protein in the diet may be more influential on F, as may the (negative) effect of Kj and CHO intake, or at least their reflection of energy expenditure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)796-800
Number of pages5
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume25
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1993
Externally publishedYes

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