The effect of moderate exercise on stored body iron in post-menopausal women

The relationship between serum ferritin and exercise in post-menopausal women in Manitoba was studied. Exercise has been identified in epidemiological studies as having an independent role in the primary prevention of coronary artery disease. One mechanism to explain the association is exercise-induced reductions in iron either through iron loss or enhanced iron storage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a moderate intensity 24 week walking program on serum ferritin values in sedentary, healthy post-menopausal females. Subjects (mean age 62 years) were randomly selected into non-walkers (control n = 25) three day walkers (n = 27) and five day walkers (n = 27). There was no significant difference in pre-exercise mean serum ferritin values between the three groups. Statistically significant differences were noted in serum ferritin levels for post-menopausal women who exercised regularly (60 minutes five times per week) compared to their sedentary counterparts. No significant differences were noted in the group walking three times per week. This study demonstrates that moderate regular exercise five times per week is associated with a decrease in serum ferritin levels, suggestive of a further basis for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in a vulnerable segment of the population.