33rd Annual Student Research Conference
The Correlation Between Calcium and Iron Intake and Bone Density in DII Female Collegiate Distance Runners
Katherine A. Steiger♦
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Dr. Brandy Schneider, Faculty Mentors
There is a surprising lack of research regarding competitive athletes and their potential vitamin deficiencies as well as harmful effects associated with high stress competition. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there is a correlation between calcium and iron intake and bone density in DII female distance runners. Participants were given a survey asking about iron and calcium intake, years competing, and previous bone injuries. Subjects then had a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Analysis indicated that (1) there was no statistical relationship between bone density and multivitamins. (2) there was a statistical relationship between age and bone density. (3) there was a statistical relationship between bone density and years competing. This indicates that after 5.6 years of high stress competition, bone density begins to decline. Further studies are indicated due to the high number of female runners with iron and calcium deficiencies.
Keywords: Iron Supplements, Bone Density, DXA Scan, Collegiate Distance Runners, Multivitamins
Topic(s):Athletic Training
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA