Habitual dietary protein intake affects body iron status in Japanese female college rhythmic gymnasts: a follow-up study

摘要

BackgroundMany rhythmic gymnasts stay lean by reducing their body weight (BW); however, this may result in iron deficiency (ID). Our previous cross-sectional study reported an association between ID incidence and protein intake in gymnasts during the pre-season. The present study aimed to examine the association between dietary protein intake and ID incidence in a 2-year follow-up study.