Supplementing with Iron for Sports Anemia

Why was this study done?

“Sports Anemia” is a phenomenon that occurs during strenuous exercise, it is especially prevalent in women. This study was designed to investigate supplemental iron as a way for avoiding anemia in athletes.  

What did the study find?

Supplementing with iron (either 9mg or 19 mg of ferrous fumarate) had no effect on participants the depletion of iron status (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC) that occurs with strenuous exercise.

Transitory hematologic effects of moderate exercise are not influenced by iron supplementation.
Authors: Hegenauer J, Strause L, Saltman P, Dann D, White J, Green R. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1983;52(1):57-61.
PubMed Citation PMID: 6686130.
PDF Manuscript: Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol, 1983.