Objective: The objective was to investigate the role of Helicobacter pylori
infection in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) of pubescent athletes.
Study design: Blood sampling and a questionnaire survey were performed on 4
40 regular high school students and 220 athletes of a physical education hi
gh school. Hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, a
nd immunoglobulin G antibody to H pylori were measured to compare the preva
lence of IDA and H pylori infection in the groups. Nutritional analysis and
a questionnaire survey for socioeconomic status were undertaken to compare
and control for other risk factors that might influence IDA and H pylori i
nfection in the groups. In those with IDA coexistent with H pylori infectio
n, we also determined whether IDA can be managed by H pylori eradication.
Results: The prevalence rates of IDA, H pylori infection, and H pylori-asso
ciated IDA in female athletes were higher than in the control group. The re
lative risk of IDA was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.5 to 5.6) for those with H pylori inf
ection. Athletes who exhibited H pylori-associated IDA showed significant i
ncreases in hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin levels after H pylori eradicatio
n. The subjects in the control group who were treated orally with iron alon
e showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: Adolescent female athletes may have development of H pylori-ass
ociated IDA, which can be managed by H pylori eradication.