The world of elite sports is marked by intense physical and psychological strains, significantly augmenting the demands on athletes' bodies and rendering them susceptible to iron deficiency, and anemia, especially women athletes. Iron deficiency can have severe consequences, including heightened injury risks, delayed recovery following physical exertion, compromised immunity and diminished athletic performance. Notably, iron deficiency in athletes can persist without manifesting as anemia. Consequently, comprehensive research is crucial to identify iron deficiency states in athletes. Our study focused on researching the ferritin content and other indicators of iron metabolism in the blood of 159 qualified athletes (98 men and 61 women) who specialized in various sports. The research entailed the assessment of ferritin concentration, hemoglobin, iron content, red blood cell count, and hematocrit level. The findings revealed a considerable prevalence of hidden iron deficiency among female athletes, with 54% exhibiting prelatent iron deficiency and 16% presenting with latent iron deficiency. They require appropriate recommendations for treatment and prevention. The results of our research confirm the presence of the iron deficiency problem in athletes, especially women. Due to the above, identifying not only iron-deficiency anemia but also hidden iron deficiencies is crucial to ensure timely and effective treatment and prevention.

Anna Husarova

Nataliia Vdovenko

Ferritin Level Analysis to Identify Iron Deficiency in Qualified Athletes

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