Compliance compromises an interventional study on iron supplementation in female combatants

IntroductionLow iron levels are related to overuse injuries, poor physical performance and cognitive impairments in female recruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate iron supplement compliance in female combatants during basic training, and its effect on haemoglobin (Hgb), ferritin and injuries...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ military health 2023-02, Vol.169 (1), p.27-31
Main Authors: Gofrit, Shany Guly, Ohayon-Cohen, S, Tsur, A M, Rabkin, V, Michael Shapira, M, Finestone, A S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anemia
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency - drug therapy
Cognitive ability
compliance
Cumulative Trauma Disorders - prevention & control
Dietary Supplements
Epidemiology
Female
Females
Ferritins - blood
Hemoglobins - analysis
Humans
Injuries
Iron
Iron - therapeutic use
iron deficiency anaemia
iron supplement
Military Personnel
Original research
overuse injuries
Physical fitness
Population
Questionnaires
Surveillance
Vegetarianism
Vitamin B
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Summary:IntroductionLow iron levels are related to overuse injuries, poor physical performance and cognitive impairments in female recruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate iron supplement compliance in female combatants during basic training, and its effect on haemoglobin (Hgb), ferritin and injuries.Methods329 female recruits to light infantry units filled induction questionnaires regarding smoking status, previous overuse injuries and iron deficiency. Blood was drawn for Hgb and ferritin. Subjects with ferritin levels below 20 ng/mL were considered iron depleted and were prescribed a ferrous fumarate supplement. After 4 months of basic training, the subjects completed a follow-up questionnaire regarding overuse injuries, reasons for failure to complete basic training and compliance with iron supplementation. Blood tests were repeated.ResultsMean ferritin levels declined during training (from 18.1±18.2 to 15.3±9.6, p=0.01). Compliance with iron supplementation was observed in 26 (26.3%) of the subjects. In compliant subjects, Hgb levels remained constant and ferritin levels increased by 2.9±5.4 (p=0.07). The main reasons for reported non-compliance were forgetfulness, 26 (35.6%), and gastrointestinal side effects, 17 (23.3%). Injuries during training were not found to be associated with iron status. Smokers had a significantly higher rate of reported injuries prior to training (p
ISSN:2633-3767
0035-8665
2633-3775
2052-0468
DOI:10.1136/jramc-2019-001245