Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency due to poor iron intake from diets or possibly because of destruction of red blood cells during foot-strike hemolysis. This study will evaluate the impact of 8-weeks of iron supplementation through consumption of a pea-protein power that has high iron bio-availability due to low phytate levels. This will be compared to consumption of regular iron protein powder and maltodextrin placebo by randomizing participants to three groups. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation for exercise performance (maximal aerobic capacity and a 5 km time trial running test), blood levels of ferritin and hemoglobin, and body composition (fat mass and lean tissue mass).
Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency and this can impact their exercise performance. This study assesses the impact of an pea protein supplement with high iron bio-availability on iron status and exercise performance.