It is well known that iron deficiency, with or without anemia, occurs commonly in athletes. In the present study peripheral blood, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, haptoglobin, creatine phosphokinase, myoglobin levels were observed in 26 junior high school boy athletes. Mean RBC, Hb, hematocrit and serum ferritin levels were significantly lower among athletes compared to non-athletes of the same age. Lower serum iron and transferrin saturation, higher total iron binding capacity were found in the athletes, but not significant. Serum haptoglobin levels were significantly lower in the athletes suggested increased hemolysis. CPK was increased, but not significant, myoglobin was significantly increased among athletes meight suggest so called sport-myopathic state.
　These data suggest that the athletes are at increased risk for iron deficiency with or without anemia. Iron supplementation should be performed in some athletes (12%) who showed hypochromic anemia.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.12/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE