2. Why is Ferritin Important?
Iron-main element of heme-containing proteins, necessary for
oxygen movement through the body
Low iron levels may compromise performance during
submaximal and maximal physical activity.
Iron deficiency (ID)-most common micronutrient deficiency
throughout the world. (Crouter, 2012)
Ferritin-common index for the body’s iron stores in the liver
Ferritin is one of the most prevalent means to determining
iron deficiency. This is about 20% of females aged 18-45.
(DellaValle, 2011)
3. Iron Status in Female Athletes
ID, with or without anemia, can be a major reason for
fatigue, dizziness, or weakness in physical work
performance.
In a study examining “young, fertile, non-professional
female athletes”, ferritin level results did not included
females who displayed any signs of inflammation (can
occur closely following exercise). (Di Santolo, 2008)
Looking at iron status with females participating in team
ball sports, there is speculation oxidative stress, induced by
anaerobic and aerobic exercise, may increase ferritin levels.
(Ahmadi, 2010)
4. Training Effects on Iron
In a comparison of ferritin levels of soccer players
throughout a season, there was a decrease in ferritin after
pre-season training with an increase during a recovery
period. (Reinke, 2012)
Analyzing runners at 3 points during training showed a
prevalence of decreased iron stores measured by ferritin
being <20ng/mL.
50% of female runners already had depleted iron stores,
which were further depleted after the training protocol
given. (Auersperger, 2013)
5. Intense Exercise and Iron
Metabolism
When viewing timing of blood samples in male rowing, a
significant difference in hepcidin, the key regulator of iron
entry, and serum iron levels was found. However, investigation
of ferritin levels and female athletes has not been focused on.
A single bout of exercise does not cause initial loss of iron in
athletes, but multiple days of overexertion can pose a further
risk for anemia. (Skarpanska-Stejnborn, 2014)
Based on studies comparing iron metabolism at different
levels in athletes, both male and female, ferritin is an
important measure of ID which is a major problem among
the athletic population.
6. Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine if taking blood
samples with exercise prior as compared to without exercise
prior will have any effect on the ferritin levels in female
athletes at a NCAA Division 1 institution.
Hypotheses:
1. Blood samples taken with exercise prior will have differing ferritin
levels than those taken without exercise prior.
2. Ferritin levels taken from different sports teams will be different
when examining their blood samples.
3. Blood samples taken at an early point in the season will differ from
samples taken at later points in the season. (Likely will be difficult to
look at in this study)
7. Methods
Participants-Female athletes age 18-25, height ~150-195 cm,
weight ~40-115 kg, from Weber State University (an NCAA Division
1 Institution)
Power Analysis-22 participants necessary (Skarpanska-Stejnborn)
Study Design-Cross sectional study with 2 groups, each person’s
without exercise blood sample is the control group
Groups-All participants will have blood samples done with exercise
prior and without exercise prior.
Participant Inclusion/Exclusion-Members of Weber State University
women’s teams (cross country, basketball, track and field, tennis,
soccer, softball, golf, and volleyball) Participants will have medical
clearance to participate in NCAA D1 athletics. No dietary
restrictions. Blood samples taken with minimum 1 hour fast.
8. Methods Continued
Instrumentation-Blood draws via BD Vacutainer
Eclipse 4B Blood Collection Needle, SST (yellow)
Plastic Tubes, Holders, and tourniquets. Labels/Bio
Bags to send for testing at McKay Dee hospital. Area
sanitized with rubbing alcohol. Disposal of waste in
proper Biohazard container.
Procedures-Without exercise draws will occur early
mornings/with exercise draws will occur within
approximately an hour after practice or conditioning
events.
9. Independent and Dependent
Variables
Independent Variables-Blood ferritin levels taken by athlete’s
samples with and without exercise prior.
Dependent Variables-Blood ferritin levels are typically
measured in nanograms per milliliter (weight/volume), which
is given based on results by McKay Dee Hospital.
10. Statistical Analysis
T-test: coded 1=without exercise ferritin levels, 2=with
exercise ferritin levels
No post hoc testing relevant
One-way ANOVA: coded by teams (1=bball, 2=track, etc.) and
comparing with exercise ferritin levels
Post Hoc-Bonferroni or Tukey (if 6+ teams)
Alpha level for all tests-p=.05
11. Funding/Unresolved Issues
Funding-With exercise lab work= about $16 per
sample. Supplies are provided when McKay Dee runs
blood work.
$16 x 22 (sample size from power analysis)=$352
No monetary incentive can be given because of
NCAA rules. What is the best way to interest athletes
in giving blood a second time?
McKay Dee and Weber State Athletic Department
involvement?
12. References
Crouter, S.E., Dellavalle, D.M., and Haas, J.D. (2012), Relationship between
Physical Activity, Physical Performance, and Iron Status in Adult Women.
Applied Physiology Nutrition Metabolism. 37, 697-705.
Dellavalle, D.M. and Haas, J.D. (2011), Impact of Iron Depletion Without
Anemia on Performance in Trained Endurance Athletes at the Beginning of
a Training Season: A Study of Female Collegiate Rowers. International
Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 21, 501-506.
Santolo, M.D., Stel, G., Ban, G., Gonano, F., Cauci, S. (2008), Anemia and
Iron Status in Young Fertile Non-Professional Female Athletes. European
Journal of Applied Physiology. 102, 703-709.
Ahmadi, A., Enayatizadeh, N., Akabarzadeh, S., and Tabatabaee, S.H. (2010),
Iron Status in Female Athletes Participating in Team Ball Sports. Pakistan
Journal of Biological Sciences. 13(2), 93-96.
13. References Continued
Reinke, S., Taylor, W.R., Duda, G.N., Haehling, S.V., Reinke, P., Volk, H.D.,
Anker, S.D., and Doehner, W. (2010), Absolute and Functional Iron
Deficiency in Professional Athletes during Training and Recovery.
International Journal of Cardiology. 156, 186-191.
Auersperger, I., Skof, B., Leskosek, B., Knap, B., Jerin, A., and Lainscak, M.
(2013), Exercise-Induced Changes in Iron Status and Hepcidin Response in
Runners. PLOS One. 8 (3), 1-10.
Skarpanska-Stejnborn, A., Basta, P., Trzeciak, J., and Szczesniak-Pilaczynska,
L. (2014), Effect of Intense Physical Exercise on Hepcidin Levels and
Selected Parameters of Iron Metabolism in Rowing Athletes. European
Journal of Applied Physiology.
