The Athlete-IQ: Evaluating iron knowledge of female athletes and staff; with insights into practices among dietitians and iron experts
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is common in female athletes, with variable diagnostic criteria and supplementation protocols used to determine deficient athletes. Understanding iron rich food sources is fundamental to optimal nutrition intake. Purpose: Our aim was to characterise the iron knowledge of female athletes and affiliated staff and explore factors influencing iron deficiency practices among dietitians and iron experts (sports physiologists and iron researchers). Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed using a web-based iron questionnaire (adapted from previously validated questionnaires). Part One consisted of 16 items (11 iron questions) and was completed by female athletes and staff. Participants achieving a score >75 % (percentage of correct answers) were deemed to have adequate iron knowledge. Part Two consisted of 22 items (14 on iron deficiency practice) and was completed by dietitians and iron experts. Descriptive statistics were used for multiple choice questions and open responses were coded thematically. Results: Sixty-two participants (athletes n = 42; staff n = 20) across 10 sports completed Part One. Iron knowledge scores ranged from 21 % to 88 % among athletes (46 % ± 13 %) and staff (60 % ± 16 %). Twenty-eight practitioners (sports dietitians: n = 14; other professions: n = 14) across 28 sports completed Part Two. Between 10 % and 56 % of practitioners applied established criteria for diagnosing iron deficiency. Supplementation protocols varied between 20 and 100 mg/day or bi-daily of elemental iron for earlier stages of iron deficiency increasing to 60-200 mg/day or bi-daily for anaemic athletes. Conclusion: Iron knowledge is highly variable in female athletes and club staff. Teams and organisations should promote valid nutrition resources when access to a sports dietitian is not feasible. Practitioners may adopt heightened criteria to categorise iron deficiency but should adjust individual thresholds based on factors underpinning fluctuations in iron status.
Source: JSAMS Plus
Authors: Michael Pengelly, Kate Pumpa, David B. Pyne, Naroa Etxebarria
Institutions: University of Canberra, University College Dublin
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
OpenAlex ID: W7093376444