title: Marathon Running Fails to Influence RBC Survival Rates in Iron-Replete Women.
abstract: In brief: As many as 80% of female long-distance runners show iron deficiency. One explanation is RBC fragmentation due to mechanical trauma. In this study, radiolabeling was used to measure RBC survival rates in six iron-replete female marathon runners. In addition, tests for urinary hemosiderin were conducted in a search for secondary evidence of RBC damage. Radioactivity counts on blood samples drawn before and after a standard 26-mile marathon failed to disclose traumatic RBC fragmentation, and the tests for urinary hemosiderin were negative. Other possible factors in iron deficiency, such as diet, therefore merit consideration.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Steenkamp
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fuller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Graves
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Noakes
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jacobs