Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe researchers are seeking female high school cross-country runners and girls who are not active in or training for a fall sport. The study will compare iron status within the two groups.
Half the participants will be asked to eat a lean beef snack every day for three months to increase their intake of iron. Researchers will collect a variety of information on the participants through dietary records, activity records, fitness testing, body composition testing and blood sampling.
The time commitment will be three to four hours per month. The total time commitment will be 10 to 16 hours, and participants who complete all phases of the study will be paid $135.
The study is being conducted by researchers in Purdue's Department of Health, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies and the Department of Foods and Nutrition.
"Typically, teens have a low iron intake, with one in four teen-age girls having iron depletion or compromised iron status," said Roseann Lyle, associate professor of health. "The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge of iron status in these girls and develop recommendations that will help young women avoid the problems of iron depletion."
Low levels of iron in the body are associated with a lack of energy or fatigue and sensitivity to cold. Teen girls have trouble meeting their iron needs because of rapid growth, the onset of menstruation, and a low intake of iron associated with an avoidance of meat and/or extreme emphasis on carbohydrate intake.
Girls wishing to participate in the study, or needing more information, can contact Lyle at (765) 494-3158 or Berdine Martin at (765) 494-6559.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
