Unlocking the connection: hematological status, dietary iron intake and endurance in Indian female athletes

Abstract

Purpose: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce the prevalence of anemia in women of reproductive age by 50% before 2030. However, negligible global change has been observed in the prevalence of anemia; therefore, achieving the SDG target for anemia reduction by 2030 may be challenging. Athletes are particularly susceptible to anemia owing to their poor diet and intense physical activity, which can significantly impact endurance levels. This study aimed to determine the correlation between hematological status and endurance in Indian female athletes. The frequency of iron-rich food consumption and dietary iron intake by the athletes was also identified.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 104 athletes aged 18-25, including 52 volleyball and 52 ball badminton players who were training in SRM institute of science and technology and Tamil Nadu physical education and sports university were assessed for hematological status using an automated hematological analyzer and endurance through Cooper's and plank tests. The results were statistically analyzed to compare the two groups of athletes and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to study the correlation between hematological status and endurance. A food frequency questionnaire focusing on iron-rich foods and 24 h dietary recall was used to evaluate dietary iron intake.

Results: Approximately 53.8% of the total group of athletes were anemic. The study confirmed a positive correlation between hematological status and cardiorespiratory endurance among volleyball athletes (r = 0.36) and all athletes (r = 0.22). Volleyball athletes demonstrated better endurance than did ball badminton athletes (p < 0.001) and non-anemic athletes exhibited superior endurance performance compared with that of anemic athletes. The consumption of iron-rich foods of athletes was inadequate.

Conclusion: Athletes need to consume a varied and nutritious iron-rich diet to maintain their hematological status and improve endurance.

Keywords: endurance; female athletes; hematological status; iron intake; nutrition.

Figure 1.

Frequency of consumption of cereals and pulses.

Figure 2.

Frequency of consumption of nuts and seeds.

Figure 3.

Frequency of consumption of non-vegetarian foods.

Figure 4.

Frequency of consumption of green leafy vegetables, fruits and sugars.

Figure 5.

Mean protein and iron intake of athletes.