lron Deficiency in Athletes: Consequence or Adaption in Strenuous Activity.
Recent, more sensitive measures of iron status indicate a prevalence of iron deficiency, with or without anemia, among young women, children, and adolescent males participating in strenuous physical activity. Anemia primarily restricts brief, intense exercise; whereas iron deficiency limits performance of endurance activities. The impact of iron deficiency on oxidative capacity of muscle, protein synthesis, growth, behavior, and body temperature regulation are reviewed. The widespread effects of iron deficiency warrant closer attention to the iron status of athletes and the practice of dietary iron supplementation in the intervention and prevention of iron deficiency. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;7(4):192-195.
Vanswearingen
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