Iron status in adolescent female athletes

초록

Purpose: The objective of this study is aimed atwas to assessing iron nutrition in adolescent female athletes, and at comparing themin comparison with general female adolescent students. Results: The mean Hb concentration, hematocrit, and MCV in the (long-distance?) runners group (group B) were significantly lower than those in both group A and Comparison the control group. The mean height was higher greater (4.3 cm in group A and 5.5 cm in group B) in the athletes aged 15 to 19 years than in the Comparison control group. The prevalence of anemia at in group B was 44%, which was significantly higher than that in both group A (15%) and Comparison the control group (19%), respectively. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 25% at in group A, 34% at in group B and 34% at Comparisonin the control group. IDA The prevalence of IDA at in group B was 27%, which was higher than that in both group A (10%) and Comparison the control group (17%). The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in the athletes without menarche was 19% and 14%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalences of anemia and iron deficiency between the previously menstruated group and the no menarche group in amongst the athletes. Conclusion: As the prevalence of iron deficiency was found to be relatively common high in adolescent females, regardless of whether they were athletes or non-athletes, the assessment of iron nutrition is warranted in these groups, combined with nutritional education. Particularly, the Rrunners in particular should be screened for the inadequate iron nutrition, combined with the nutritional intervention education, including on the topic of iron intake.