Exercise Induced Hepcidin Suppression and Iron Levels: Pilot Study

Marina S. Andrew

Background: Iron Deficiency (ID) is a common nutritional disorder affecting women which can lead to anemia causing symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Iron metabolism and absorption is regulated by the protein hepcidin. Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), a marker of iron levels is elevated when ID is present and erythropoiesis, a common adaptation to aerobic exercise, is known to suppress hepcidin production. Iron deficiency is commonly treated with nutritional intervention; however little is known about the efficacy of treating iron deficiency with aerobic exercise alone. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure the effect of aerobic exercise induced erythropoiesis on hepcidin and iron levels as measured by sTfR in females. Methods: I intend to recruit 20 healthy female participants aged 18-24 that are not currently engaged in an aerobic training program. I will randomize participants into a control (group A) and an exercise group (group B). Group B will undergo an aerobic training program 3 days/week at 50-70% max heart rate for 4 weeks. I will measure RBC, hepcidin, and sTfR at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results will be analyzed with a two-sample t-test with a p-value of 0.05. Anticipated Results: I expect Group B to have lower hepcidin and sTfR, but higher RBC than group A.

• Marina Andrew is a senior exercise science major and member of the Honors College. Her achievements include serving in the Powerlifting Club's leadership council, publishing in the Lander New Voices journal, and presenting at the American College of Sports Medicine.