Anemia and food intake in female professional volleyball players

Abstract

Anemia and food intake were examined on 14 female professional volleyball players (22.1±2.9 years) and 20 female health nursing school students (23.0±2.1 years). Daily total energy intake of the players was estimated to be more than 3600kcal. Because of no change of body weight for the last 1 year, this high energy intake would equilibrate their energy consumption. Intake of all other nutrients were remarkably higher in the players than the student. Adjusted value of protein intake of the players was comparable to that of the students and exceeded the recommended dietary allowance. Higher value of adjusted iron intake was observed in the players than the students. Compared to the students, the players showed higher serum LDH and CPK activities and lower Hb and serum iron/total iron binding capacity ratio. Serum haptoglobin was significantly lower in the players than the students, it suggested the hemolysis was caused by exercise. These results suggest that strenuous exercise such as professional volleyball play can result in a decrease of Hb and iron status.