Abstract des Autors

Iron status was studied in male subjects aged 16-20 years, engaged in endurance sports (n=178) and in control ones (n=52). The study aimed at identifying factors responsible for iron deficiency. About 20% of all subjects were classified as having latent iron-deficiency without the symptoms of anaemia. A too low intake of iron (especially heme iron - 0.5 mg daily), as well as of substances influencing iron metabolism, were identified as main causes of iron deficiency in control subjects. In athletes, whose iron intake was sufficient (19.3 mg), iron deficiency might have been due to a diminished absorption. However, the high physical activity of athletes did not adversely affect iron stores as these were found to be higher than in control subjects and the incidence of iron deficiency was in both groups alike. It was concluded that an increased intake of iron and of dietary factors involved in iron metabolism compensated the augmented, exercise-induced losses of iron in young athletes. Verf.-Referat