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Iron, a nutrient found in food sources of both vegetable (nonheme) and animal (heme) origin, is an essential mineral that confers function in a number of biological processes, to include [...]

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE TRAINING ENVIRONMENT Unhealthy eating habits and nutritional deficiencies are an increasing concern among Army personnel. Current literature shows that poor nutrition can affect susceptibility to injury [...]

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) provide comprehensive nutrition recommendations that promote a healthy diet and body weight, thereby reducing the risk for chronic disease. The DGAs, released by the [...]

Background: Iron status degrades in female soldiers during military training. Inflammation-mediated up-regulation of hepcidin, a key mediator of iron homeostasis, may be a contributing factor. Objective: We measured the efficacy of an iron-fortified food product for maintaining iron status in female soldiers during basic combat training (BCT) and examined relations between iron status, serum hepcidin concentrations, and inflammation. Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Volunteers received an iron-fortified food product (total dose = 56 mg Fe/d) or a placebo twice daily during the 9-wk BCT course. Iron-status indicators, serum hepcidin concentrations, and markers of inflammation were measured pre- and post-BCT. Results: BCT affected iron status; serum ferritin concentrations decreased (P [less than or equal to] 0.05), and concentrations of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and hemoglobin and the red cell distribution width increased (P [less than or equal to] 0.05). Consumption of the iron-fortified food product attenuated declines in iron status in iron-deficient anemic soldiers; a group-by-time interaction was observed for hemoglobin and sTfR concentrations (P [less than or equal to] 0.05). Serum hepcidin concentrations were not affected by BCT; however, hepcidin concentrations were lower in iron-deficient anemic soldiers than in those with normal iron status (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) and were positively associated with serum ferritin (P < 0.05) and C-reactive protein (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) concentrations pre- and post-BCT. Conclusions: Twice-daily consumption of an iron-fortified food product improved iron status in iron-deficient anemic soldiers but not in iron-normal or iron-deficient nonanemic soldiers. Serum hepcidin concentrations were not affected by training but were associated with iron status and inflammation pre- and post-BCT. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01100905. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;92:93-100. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.29185.

Background: Decrements in iron status have been reported in female soldiers during military training. Diminished iron status adversely affects physical and cognitive performance. Objective: We wanted to determine whether iron supplementation could prevent decrements in iron status and improve measures of physical performance and cognitive status in female soldiers during basic combat training (BCT). Design: In this 8-wk randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, soldier volunteers (n = 219) were provided with capsules containing either 100 mg ferrous sulfate or a placebo. Iron status indicator assays were performed pre- and post-BCT. Two-mile running time was assessed post-BCT; mood was assessed by using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire pre- and post-BCT. Results: The BCT course affected iron status: red blood cell distribution width and soluble transferrin receptor were elevated (P < 0.05), and serum ferritin was lowered (P < 0.05) post-BCT. Iron supplementation attenuated the decrement in iron status; group-by-time interactions (P < 0.01) were observed for serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor. Iron supplementation resulted in improved (P < 0.05) vigor scores on the Profile of Mood States post-BCT and in faster running time (P < 0.05) in volunteers reporting to BCT with iron deficiency anemia. Conclusions: Iron status is affected by BCT, and iron supplementation attenuates the decrement in indicators of iron status in female soldiers. Furthermore, iron supplementation may prove to be beneficial for mood and physical performance during the training period. Future efforts should identify and treat female soldiers or athletes who begin training regimens with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.

Background:Associations between obesity and poor iron status have been described in children and adults. Proposed mechanisms for this association implicate a physiologic etiology, suggesting body fat accretion may progressively degrade iron status. However, the relationship between iron status and body composition in non-obese adults remains unclear.Objective:In this study we examined the relationship between body composition, inflammation, and iron status in healthy, non-obese, pre-menopausal females.Methods:Iron status was assessed using red cell distribution width, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Tumor-necrosis factor-α provided a marker of inflammation, and body fat percentage (BF) was calculated from mean skinfold thickness measurements at 3 sites.Results:In this cohort (n = 207), the prevalence of iron deficiency was similar (p> 0.05) between normal and overweight (BMI 25.0–30.0 kg/m2), and normal and overfat (BF ≥30.0%) volunteers. There were no differences in individual iron status indicators, including sTfR, between overweight or overfat volunteers as compared to normal weight and normal fat peers. Logistic regression analyses indicated that overfat volunteers had a lower (p< 0.05) risk of iron deficiency, whereas overweight individuals demonstrated no change in relative risk as compared to peers.Conclusion:These findings suggest that, in non-obese adults, decrements in iron status are not associated with increasing adiposity.