The frequency of anemia associated with aerobic activity

The purpose of this research project was to analyze hemoglobin concentration and daily iron intake for two different groups. The "high activity" group consisted of subjects who exercised aerobically four or more hours per week, whereas the "low activity" group consisted of subjects who exercised aerobically less than one hour per week. There were twenty males and twenty females in each group. The hemoglobin concentration was determined from a finger capillary blood sample. The iron intake was determined by analyzing a three day food record for daily ingested iron. The frequency of anemia in the "high activity" group was significantly greater than in the "low activity" group. There was no significant difference in the frequency of anemia when comparing females from the "high activity" to the "low activity" group. The hemoglobin con centration in males was significantly lower in the "high activity" (13.8 gm/100ml) compared to the "low activity" (15.4 gm/100mI) group, t(38) = 4.28, p<.001. There was no significant difference in the hemoglobin concentration between females from the "high activity" to the "low activity" group, t(38) = 0. There was no significant difference for males when comparing iron intake between the "high activity" and the "low activity" group, t(30) = .29. There also was no significant difference in iron intake for females when comparing the "high activity" to the "low activity" group, t(33) = .52. The findings from this study indicate that "sports anemia" may be a problem among male athletes who exercise aerobically for more than four hours per week. It also suggests that the condition of "sports anemia" is more prevalent among males than females. It may be prudent for aerobically active males to have their hemoglobin concentration checked periodically for the condition of "sports anemia."