Low Dose Ferrous Gluconate Supplement Fails to Alter the Iron Status of Female Officers-In-Training
Abstract
Physical training creates an iron cost for the body, which is a risk for young women. This study investigated a low-dose iron supplement for prevention or treatment of iron-deficiency among female RMC staff cadets and ADFA officer cadets and in so doing improve measures of fatigue, general health, physical fitness and increase participation in leisure activities. Cadets consumed either a low dose iron supplement (18 mg iron) or placebo for 13 weeks, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised design. Tests at baseline, 6 wks and 13 wks determined the effects of supplement versus placebo on iron status and other measures. There was no evidence of benefit derived from the iron supplement, although emotional fatigue might have responded positively. The fatigue, health and leisure activity measures remained stable. Physical fitness improved at 6wks, but the improvement has been lost by 13 wks. Early in the semester, when cadets were most physically active, there was a mean decline in iron status as iron was mobilised from liver stores to the tissues. By the end of the semester the apparent loss from iron stores had been replenished. However more than half of the young women commenced the study with iron deficiency to some degree and this situation did not change at the 6 wk or 13 wk testing points. Self-administration of iron supplements is not recommended for the prevention or treatment of iron deficiency. The implementation of nutrition and iron-status monitoring programs are recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA447578
Entities
People
- Christine Booth
- Julia Carins
- Ross Coad
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group