A Comparison of Markers of Iron Status between Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Female High School Cross Country Runners. Is Routine, Pre-Season Screening Warranted?

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the circulating markers of iron status differ between vegetarian or non-vegetarian adolescent female high school cross-country runners. Fifteen non-vegetarian and six vegetarian female cross-country runners completed questionnaires used to obtain anthropometric data, health history, menstrual status, diet history and training history. Dietary intake was determined by self-report, using a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day diet record. Blood samples were analyzed for serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation. No significant difference was found between vegetarians and non-vegetarians for serum iron or transferrin saturation. However, TIBC was significantly higher in vegetarians (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Ferritin was lower in vegetarians, trending toward significance (<em>p</em> < 0.10). Study results suggest the need for routine pre-season iron screenings as well as nutrition education, aimed at improving iron status for vegetarian and non-vegetarian adolescent female endurance athletes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nutrition

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Callahan, Edward J., Jr.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ethan A. Bergman
• Kelly Pritchett
• Timothy Englund

• Iron deficiency
• vegetarian
• ferritin
• anemia
• adolescent female
• Human and Clinical Nutrition
• Life Sciences
• Nutrition

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/140

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-1099