Review : The Study of Correlation for Iron Nutritional Status and Hematologic Profiles in Female Gymnasts

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 2002;6(1):21-32.

Abstract

I
nadequate nutritional status of iron could interfere with normal growth and might impair physical performance among the physically active athletes. We examined the relationship between dietary intake and hematologic profiles in female high school gymnasts. Data for dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and hematologic profiles were collected and relationships of the variables were analyzed. Main outcome measures 24h dietary recall method, food behavior variables, anthropometric indices and health variables. Age of the subjects ranged from 15 to 18y at the time of the experiment. Their mean value of body fat and BMI were 21.2±3.0 % and 19.5±1.3, respectively. Most of subjects consumed nutrients at levels less than 2/3 of the RDA for the Korean adolescent, except for vitamin C. The mean value of energy and iron intake were 1,367.2±360.9 ㎉ (74.9±38.0% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance) and 7.1±2.7 ㎎(38.6±15.8% of the RDA), respectively. Female high school gymnasts with low Hemoglobin (< 12㎎/dL) level generally had lower iron, vitamin C and energy intakes than high Hb(≥12㎎/dL) group, indicating poorer dietary patterns. Lower intake of iron has been associated with poorer exercise performance. Thus, it seems clear that maintaining good iron nutritional status could protect iron-deficiency anemia and improve the exercise performance ability and athletic power. We suggest that adequate food and nutrient intakes, especially iron, might help to maintain exercise ability in female gymnasts.