Iron deficiency anemia in a distance runner.

This paper discusses a case study of a 19-year-old male student who engaged in daily long distance running and presented with complaints of fatigue and dizziness. Laboratory test revealed a hemoglobin of 7.7 g/dl and a bone marrow negative for iron. After a complete evaluation no source of blood loss was identified. His iron deficient state may be caused by his exposure to long distance running for some years. Recent work from Sweden reports iron deficiency in eight runners, demonstrated by bone marrow examination. Further work in West Germany shows low ferritin values in runners. Source of iron loss may be from hemoglobinuria and/or excessive sweating. Hemoglobin and ferritin values should be monitored in runners every six to 12 months.