Della Valle, D. M., & Hass, J. D. (2011). What is the impact of iron supplementation on training quality in non-anemic female rowers? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 2004.

This study examined the effects of iron supplementation on the training quality of non-anemic rowers during a competitive season. At the beginning of a season, non-anemic collegiate female rowers were randomized to receive either 100 mg/day ferrous sulfate (N = 22) or placebo (N = 21) for six weeks. Ss trained with their team as usual and completed daily logs using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) format to rate aspects of training quality (intensity, concentration, speed, stress). Iron status (hemoglobin, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, total body iron) was assessed at baseline and at six weeks.

Thirty-one rowers (N = 15 iron; N = 16 placebo) completed the study duration and all testing. Rowers supplemented with iron reported training harder throughout the six-week trial compared to rowers in the placebo group. After controlling for baseline training quality, multiple regression analysis revealed that rowers in the iron group had an improved training quality score compared to those in the placebo group. Change in iron status did not affect that relationship.

Implication. Iron supplementation in female rowers improves training quality.

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