Iron: A micronutrient with macro importance: Iron deficiency in female endurance runners

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study and in creating this handout is to inform female runners about iron deficiency. This provides the runners with the knowledge and if needed, allows them to understand the steps to diagnose their deficiency, and how to treat their deficiency in order to maximize their performance.

Design/Methods: First, I completed a literature review covering the topic of iron loss in female endurance athletes. Secondly, I created a 2-page educational handout on iron loss and prevention based on the research in the literary review following the steps of the Message Development Model outlined by Bauer and Liou (2016). The central issues of causes of iron loss, prevention, and treatment were highlighted on my handout. The creation of the handout followed an emergent design plan where I went through steps of creating, then having others evaluate my handout.

Results: 3 Nutritional Sciences Faculty and 10 female runners ages 18-25 were interviewed. Four major themes emerged after interviewing the Nutrition Faculty: to emphasize the "why do I care?" question, to use attractive graphics, to create an order in my handout, and to emphasize the diet section. The women generally did not understand the importance of iron to running performance before reading the handout. The runner's comments focused on layout and identified areas where additional clarity was needed because of medical jargon or unfamiliar words.

Conclusion: In conclusion, female endurance runners are often undereducated about iron deficiency and what it can do to running performance. This study found that the emergent design strategy for creating a handout was effective in the editing and revising process so that the material is not only attractive and easy to read, but also useful in providing valuable information.