Iron in polish female soccer players-dietary intake and questionnaire validation

Objectives. -The aim of the study was to evaluate dietary iron intake by professional female soccer players and to estimate the possible risk of iron deficiency. Equipment and methods. - The research was completed by 38 professional soccer players of the three soccer leagues: Ekstraleague, I League, and II League. The participants had their height and body mass measured. The data food consumption and iron intake was obtained through the method of a systematic recording of results conducted throughout a 3-day long period and food frequency questionnaire, adapted to evaluation of intake of this particular micronutrients (IRONIC-FFQ). Results. -The age of the participants was 21 +/- 5 years, the height was 167 +/- 5cm, and the body mass median was 59,2 kg. Most common iron sources in study group were cereal products (31,8%), meats (14,1%) and vegetables (9,9%). Iron intake with using IRONIC-FFQ method was 8,06 mg, while using 3-day dietary food record method was 8,8 mg. After comparing both method with each other we found a correlation (P < 0,001, r=0,568) and Bland-Altman index of 7,89%. Conclusion. - In conclusion, iron intake in study group was sufficient. Validation of IRONIC-FFQ with Spearman test gives positive results, but failed with Bland-Altman plot. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.