ABSTRACT
Several studies have reported that physical training may affect iron related haematological parameters (Clement and Sawchuk, 1984; Newhouse and Clement, 1988). The most common finding is a decrease of serum ferritin, a parameter which reflects tissue iron stores (Siimes and Dallmann, 1974). This decrease is considered the first stage in developing iron deficiency and is referred to as prelatent iron deficiency. The next stage is a decrease of serum iron with an increase of total iron binding capacity, called latent iron deficiency (Clement and Sawchuk, 1984). This has been observed especially in endurance runners, and the iron cost of training seems to be mainly related to the exercise load (Clement and Sawchuk, 1984; Colt and Heyman, 1984; Newhouse and Clement, 1988).
