The Effect of Training-Induced Altered Hematological Iron Values on Performance in Division I College Runners

PI:      Neeru Jayanthi, MD
           Ryan Lingor - Co-Investigator

This study will look at how blood levels of iron correlate with performance. Blood iron levels can vary from one individual to another based on activity level, gender, diet, and genetics. We will first determine those athletes who have low iron levels at the beginning of the season and give them supplemental iron. Then we will track performance and measure blood iron levels at the end of season and compare performance results and changes in iron status of the supplemental group to our control (non-supplemented) group.

Previous research in this area have studied the effects of supplemental iron on blood iron levels with running efficiency measuring VO2 max on a treadmill. Our study will look at performance data in the filed in hopes of determining how changes in iron status affect racing performance.
 

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