Authors: Peeling, Peter¹; Dawson, Brian²; Goodman, Carmel³; Landers, Grant²; Trinder, Debbie⁴

Source: European Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume 103, Number 4, July 2008 , pp. 381-391(11)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Iron is utilised by the body for oxygen transport and energy production, and is therefore essential to athletic performance. Commonly, athletes are diagnosed as iron deficient, however, contrasting evidence exists as to the severity of deficiency and the effect on performance. Iron losses can result from a host of mechanisms during exercise such as hemolysis, hematuria, sweating and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, recent research investigating the anemia of inflammation during states of chronic disease has allowed us to draw some comparisons between unhealthy populations and athletes. The acute-phase response is a well-recognised reaction to both exercise and disease. Elevated cytokine levels from such a response have been shown to increase the liver production of the hormone Hepcidin. Hepcidin up-regulation has a negative impact on the iron transport and absorption channels within the body, and may explain a potential new mechanism behind iron deficiency in athletes. This review will attempt to explore the current literature that exits in this new area of iron metabolism and exercise.

Keywords: Iron deficiency; Interleukin-6; Hepcidin; Athlete

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0726-6

Affiliations: 1: School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, Email: peelip01@student.uwa.edu.au 2: School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia 3: Western Australian Institute of Sport, Mt Claremont, WA, Australia 4: School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia

Publication date: 2008-07-01

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