Iron intake, iron status and gut health : effects of iron supplementation in young female football players

Abstract

Because iron is necessary for the formation of new blood cells, it is an extensive practice internationally among athletes to take iron supplements in the belief that this will improve oxygen transport capacity and endurance performance by increasing red blood cell production. In particular iron deficiency is frequent among menstruating young women and even more in female athletes. The aim of the current project was to investigate intake of dietary iron and iron status in young female elite football players. Additionally, effects of a low-dose iron supplementation were investigated on iron status, gut health and adverse effects.