Is anyone aware of a college where Ferritin testing is done for the entire team? I am especially interested in the D-III level. I am trying to get funds authorized for this and some precedent would help. I am already aware of Duke and BYU. Thanks!
Is anyone aware of a college where Ferritin testing is done for the entire team? I am especially interested in the D-III level. I am trying to get funds authorized for this and some precedent would help. I am already aware of Duke and BYU. Thanks!
Ferritin testing is OK but has its drawbacks as a diagnostic. Isn't quite as reliable a marker of deficiency as typically believed, nor does low ferritin necessarily result from inadequate iron in the diet.
Probably easier just to make available iron pills in low doses. Most of those deficient will experience some benefit in a short time, and the ones who are fine will not likely overload. Those still having troubles are probably having other nutritional/training recovery issues only indirectly connected to iron status.
Nutrition. 2004 Jul-Aug;20(7-8):615-9