College of Health staff

Dr Claire Badenhorst staff profile picture

Contact details +6492136410

Dr Claire Badenhorst Claire Badenhorst, HEA

Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition

My initial research completed during my PhD addressed the substantive health issue of exercise-induced iron deficiency and the prevalence of this common nutritional disorder in endurance athletes. The research included the analysis of the causal mechanisms of iron deficiency in athletes through the inflammatory-driven increase in the iron-regulatory hormone, known as hepcidin, in the post-exercise period and nutritional strategies to reduce the impact of this hormone. Nutritional strategies investigated included the role of carbohydrate or fat ingestion pre- and post-exercise. My current research is investigating the nutrient-nutrient interactions of Iron and Vitamin D status in females and the role of hepcidin in the development in these two prominent and related nutrient deficiencies. 
My future research is directed towards the implications of nutrient deficiencies in females. A particular focus is on iron status in naturally menstruating females and methods to improve and maintain iron status. I have a keen interest in Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and the effect in all athletes (males and females) and the extent to which this is present in the active general population. Extending research to understand the health implications of a energy imbalance in order to help diagnose and understand RED-S, is something I view as particularly important for research in this space.

Outside of work I am a keen triathlete and love trying to balance academic work and life with an endurance sport training schedule

My initial research completed during my PhD addressed the substantive health issue of exercise-induced iron deficiency and the prevalence of this common nutritional disorder in endurance athletes.

My current research is investigating the nutrient-nutrient interactions of Iron and Vitamin D status in females and the role of hepcidin.

My future research is directed towards iron status in naturally menstruating females and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and the effect in athletes (males and females) and  the active general population. 

More about me...View less...

Professional

Qualifications

  • Claire Evelyn Badenhorst - The University of Western Australia (2017)

Fellowships and Memberships

  • Member, Higher Education Academy (Fellow) (2021)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Iron metabolism, Hepcidin, Iron status, Female physiology, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, RED-S, Endurance sport, Strength training

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Exercise Physiology (110602): Human Movement and Sports Science (110600): Medical And Health Sciences (110000): Sports Medicine (110604)

Keywords

Exercise Physiology, Iron metabolism, Hepcidin, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, RED-S, Female Physiology, Endurnace Sport

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 3 4

Current Projects

Project Title: Our Flow: increasing access to health-screening through menstrual blood

Premenopausal females will menstruate ~9-12 times a year. The regularity of menstrual bleeding provides the opportunity for convenient, regular, non-invasive whole blood collection, which can be easily collected by the female herself (e.g., in the comfort of her home, or private space). Research has shown dried menstrual blood to be a valid blood source to measure health metrics in. But no research has considered the reliability, validity, social/cultural perceptions, and acceptability of using whole menstrual blood and self-testing methods in females of different ethnic cohorts (e.g., Māori, Pasifika, Asian and European). This project will be using a mixed methods approach to determine the validity of menstrual blood for health screening and the perceptions, preferences, and acceptability of self-testing and screening via menstrual blood from females throughout New Zealand. This novel research and concept have the ability to transform health screening for females throughout New Zealand.
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Date Range: 2023 - 2025

Funding Bodies: HRC - Explorer Grant; Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Coombes, I., & Badenhorst, CE. (2024). Risk of Low Energy Availability in New Zealand National Team and U20 Female Football Representatives. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal. 32(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Lin, CA., Hayashi, N., Badenhorst, CE., & Goto, K. (2023). Effect of Amino Acid Supplementation on Iron Regulation after Endurance Exercise. Nutrients. 15(23)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Greenwood, A., von Hurst, PR., Beck, KL., Mazahery, H., Lim, K., & Badenhorst, CE. (2023). Relationship between vitamin D, iron, and hepcidin in premenopausal females, potentially confounded by ethnicity. European Journal of Nutrition. 62(8), 3361-3368
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Beck, K.
Badenhorst, CE., Govus, AD., & Mündel, T. (2023). Does chronic oral contraceptive use detrimentally affect C-reactive protein or iron status for endurance-trained women?. Physiological Reports. 11(14)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
McGawley, K., Sargent, D., Noordhof, D., Badenhorst, CE., Julian, R., & Govus, AD. (2023). Improving menstrual health literacy in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 26(7), 351-357
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Solly, H., Badenhorst, CE., McCauley, M., Slater, GJ., Gifford, JA., Erueti, B., . . . Beck, KL. (2023). Athlete Preferences for Nutrition Education: Development of and Findings from a Quantitative Survey. Nutrients. 15(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Beck, K., Erueti, B.
Badenhorst, CE., Forsyth, AK., & Govus, AD. (2022). A contemporary understanding of iron metabolism in active premenopausal females. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Hayashi, N., Ishibashi, A., Iwata, A., Yatsutani, H., Badenhorst, C., & Goto, K. (2022). Influence of an energy deficient and low carbohydrate acute dietary manipulation on iron regulation in young females. Physiological Reports. 10(13)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Zheng, H., Badenhorst, CE., Lei, TH., Che Muhamed, AM., Liao, YH., Fujii, N., . . . Mündel, T. (2022). Do E<inf>2</inf> and P<inf>4</inf> contribute to the explained variance in core temperature response for trained women during exertional heat stress when metabolic rates are very high?. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 122(10), 2201-2212
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE. (2022). Commentaries on Viewpoint: Consider iron status when making sex comparisons in human physiology. Journal of Applied Physiology. 132(3), 703
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Baldwin, KM., Badenhorst, CE., Cripps, AJ., Landers, GJ., Merrells, RJ., Bulsara, MK., . . . Hoyne, GF. (2022). Strength Training for Long-Distance Triathletes: Theory to Practice. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 44(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Faulkner, J., O’brien, WJ., Stuart, B., Stoner, L., Batten, J., Wadsworth, D., . . . Lambrick, D. (2022). Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults within and during the Easing of COVID‐19 Restrictions, in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(3)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Rowlands, DS., Kopetschny, BH., & Badenhorst, CE. (2022). The Hydrating Effects of Hypertonic, Isotonic and Hypotonic Sports Drinks and Waters on Central Hydration During Continuous Exercise: A Systematic Meta-Analysis and Perspective. Sports Medicine. 52(2), 349-375
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Rowlands, D.
O’brien, WJ., Badenhorst, CE., Draper, N., Basu, A., Elliot, CA., Hamlin, MJ., . . . Faulkner, J. (2021). Physical activity, mental health and wellbeing during the first covid-19 containment in new zealand: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(22)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Beck, KL., von Hurst, PR., O'Brien, WJ., & Badenhorst, CE. (2021). Micronutrients and athletic performance: A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 158
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Beck, K.
Zheng, H., Badenhorst, CE., Lei, TH., Muhamed, AMC., Liao, YH., Amano, T., . . . Mundel, T. (2021). Measurement error of self-paced exercise performance in athletic women is not affected by ovulatory status or ambient environment. Journal of Applied Physiology. 131(5), 1496-1504
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Zheng, H., Badenhorst, CE., Lei, TH., Liao, YH., Muhamed, AMC., Fujii, N., . . . Mündel, T. (2021). Menstrual phase and ambient temperature do not influence iron regulation in the acute exercise period. American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 320(6), R780-R790
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Goto, K., O’Brien, WJ., & Sims, S. (2021). Iron status in athletic females, a shift in perspective on an old paradigm. Journal of Sports Sciences. 39(14), 1565-1575
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Luckin-Baldwin, KM., Badenhorst, CE., Cripps, AJ., Landers, GJ., Merrells, RJ., Bulsara, MK., . . . Hoyne, GF. (2021). Strength training improves exercise economy in triathletes during a simulated triathlon. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 16(5), 663-673
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Sumi, D., Hayashi, N., Yamaguchi, K., Badenhorst, CE., & Goto, K. (2021). Hepcidin response to three consecutive days of endurance training in hypoxia. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 121(4), 1197-1205
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Faulkner, J., O'Brien, WJ., McGrane, B., Wadsworth, D., Batten, J., Askew, CD., . . . Lambrick, D. (2021). Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 24(4), 320-326
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Faulkner, J., O'Brien, WJ., McGrane, B., Wadsworth, D., Batten, J., Askew, CD., . . . Lambrick, D. (2021). Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 24(4), 320-326 Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244020308380?via%3Dihub#sec0070
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Lei, TH., Zheng, H., Badenhorst, CE., & Mündel, T. (2021). Comment on: “The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” and “The Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Exercise Performance in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”. Sports Medicine. 51(5), 1107-1109
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Lim, K., Beck, KL., Hurst, PRV., Rutherfurd-Markwick, KJ., & Badenhorst, CE. (2020). Iron deficiency and risk factors in pre-menopausal females living in Auckland, New Zealand. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 29(3), 638-647
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Beck, K.
Goto, K., Mamiya, A., Ito, H., Maruyama, T., Hayashi, N., & Badenhorst, CE. (2020). Partial sleep deprivation after an acute exercise session does not augment hepcidin levels the following day. Physiological Reports. 8(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Hayashi, N., Yatsutani, H., Mori, H., Ito, H., Badenhorst, CE., & Goto, K. (2020). No effect of supplemented heat stress during an acute endurance exercise session in hypoxia on hepcidin regulation. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 120(6), 1331-1340
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Smith, S., Sims, ST., Thorpe, H., Baker, D., Haszard, J., Badenhorst, C., . . . Black, KE. (2020). Hepcidin and iron: Novel findings for elite female rugby Sevens players. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 60(2), 289-293
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Black, KE., & O'Brien, WJ. (2019). Hepcidin as a prospective individualized biomarker for individuals at risk of low energy availability. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 29(6), 671-681
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Southward, K., Rutherfurd-Markwick, K., Badenhorst, C., & Ali, A. (2018). Response to “are there non-responders to the ergogenic 3 effects of caffeine ingestion on exercise performance?”. Nutrients. 10(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Ali, A., Badenhorst, C.
Southward, K., Rutherfurd-Markwick, K., Badenhorst, C., & Ali, A. (2018). The role of genetics in moderating the inter-individual differences in the ergogenicity of caffeine. Nutrients. 10(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Ali, A., Badenhorst, C.
Luckin, KM., Badenhorst, CE., Cripps, AJ., Landers, GJ., Merrells, RJ., Bulsara, MK., . . . Hoyne, GF. (2021). Strength Training in Long-Distance Triathletes: Barriers and Characteristics. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 35(2), 495-502
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Cox, GR., Sim, M., Laarakkers, CM., Swinkels, DW., . . . Peeling, P. (2016). Seven days of high carbohydrate ingestion does not attenuate post-exercise IL-6 and hepcidin levels. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116(9), 1715-1724
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Cox, GR., Laarakkers, CM., Swinkels, DW., & Peeling, P. (2015). Timing of post-exercise carbohydrate ingestion: influence on IL-6 and hepcidin responses. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 115(10), 2215-2222
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Cox, GR., Laarakkers, CM., Swinkels, DW., & Peeling, P. (2015). Acute dietary carbohydrate manipulation and the subsequent inflammatory and hepcidin responses to exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 115(12), 2521-2530
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Peeling, P., Sim, M., Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Govus, AD., Abbiss, CR., . . . Trinder, D. (2014). Iron status and the acute post-exercise hepcidin response in athletes. PLoS ONE. 9(3)
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Goodman, C., Sim, M., Cox, GR., Gore, CJ., . . . Peeling, P. (2014). Influence of post-exercise hypoxic exposure on hepcidin response in athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 114(5), 951-959
[Journal article]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.

Thesis

Badenhorst, CE. (2016). Exploring the role of dietary carbohydrates on post-exercise inflammation, hepcidin and iron status in endurance athletes. (Doctoral Thesis, University of Western Australia) Badenhorst, CE. (2016). Exploring the role of dietary carbohydrates on post-exercise inflammation, hepcidin and iron status in endurance athletes. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.

Report

Rowlands, DS., Badenhorst, C., & Foskett, A. (2018). The Relative Hydrating Effects of Hypotonic Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Drinks Versus Water: Intervention Trial.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Badenhorst, C., Foskett, A., Rowlands, D.

Conference

Luckin, KM., Badenhorst, C., Cripps, A., Landers, G., Merrells, R., Bulsara, M., . . . Hoyne, G. (2017). Breaking down the barriers: Strength training in long distance triathletes. In Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 25 , National Australian Strength and Conditioning Conference: ASCA
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.Contributed to by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE. (2015, November). Acute dietary carbohydrate manipulation and the subsequent inflammatory and hepcidin responses to exercise. Presented at Applied Physiology Conference. Perth Western Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.
Badenhorst, CE., Dawson, B., Goodman, C., Sim, M., Cox, GR., Gore, CJ., . . . Peeling, P. (2014, July). Influence of post-exercise hypoxic exposure on hepcidin response in athletes. Presented at 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sports Science. Amsterdam, Netherlands.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Badenhorst, C.

Consultancy and Languages

Consultancy

  • January 2020- Current - SportsLab
    Exercise and Sport Physiologist

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Course Co-ordinator Exercise Physiology 234.223

Lecturer: Functional Anatomy (234.121), Nutrition for Sport and Performance (151.332), Applied Sport Science (234.324), Mammalian Biology (194.101)

Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise) Major Leader in Auckland for Massey University

Graduate Supervision Statement

Supervising is about providing the support a student needs to achieve their goals during a post graduate degree. If a student is willing to work hard, then I will always match them on their effort and work. As a supervisor my role is to provide a framework of support and guide the student through post graduate study, and by the end of their degree have them confident in their ability as a researcher. 


Dr Claire Badenhorst is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 2 0
Co-supervisor 0 1

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Esther Elmi - Doctor of Philosophy
    Our Flow - increasing access to health-screening through menstrual blood, A Qualitative Study
  • Isabella Coombes - Doctor of Philosophy
    Understanding the prevalence and impact of adverse health outcomes of a low energy availability state in active females. A female football research programme.

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Huixin Zheng - Doctor of Philosophy
    Factors Influencing the Exertional Heat Stress Response in Athletic Females

Media and Links

Media

  • 31 May 2019 - Television
    Seven Sharp Interview
    The '10,000 steps a day' exercise rule busted as an urban myth
  • 29 Aug 2023 - Video
    World Iron Awareness week Campaign
    Iron to Move Campaign for Beef and Lamb's World Iron Awareness Week
  • 29 Aug 2023 - Radio, Online
    Are you grumpy and cold because you lack iron?
    Radio New Zealand (RNZ)
  • 28 Aug 2023 - Television
    The Project. World Iron Awareness Week
    The Project's take on World Iron Awareness Week's Campaign, Iron to Move
  • 28 Aug 2019 - Television
    Iron Awareness Week 2019 NewsHub
    Interview for NewsHub during Iron Awareness Week
  • 26 Feb 2018 - Newspaper
    New Zealand Herald Article
    Exercise and Diets for the New Year
  • 26 Aug 2019 - Newspaper
    Iron deficiency is suffocating our teen girls
    Press Release
  • 23 Aug 2019 - Online
    THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: Iron Deficiency in Teenagers
    Podcast: THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: IRON DEFICIENCY IS SUFFOCATING OUR TEEN GIRLS
  • 20 Mar 2018 - Newspaper
    Sport scientist tests her mettle at Ironman
    Sport Scientist completing an Ironman
  • 10 Aug 2023 - Television
    When it comes to drinking water, how much?
    Seven Sharp Interview on hydration and water intake throughout the day
  • 06 May 2021 - Online
    Online newspaper article
    Why we should take a women-centred approach to diagnosing and treating iron deficiency
  • 06 May 2021 - Newspaper
    The Conversation Online Newspaper article
    An article discussing female centred approach to diagnosing and treating iron deficiency
  • 01 Jan 2019 - Newspaper
    More spent on low iron hospitalisations
    More spent on low iron hospitalisations as meat intake declines