Did you know your body loses small amounts of iron through sweating? This can put athletes at risk for low iron levels, especially when it comes to endurance sports. An iron deficiency can negatively impact an athlete’s performance.
Why Iron is Important for Athletes
Simply put, iron is essential when it comes to getting a sufficient amount of oxygen throughout the body. This is because iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that’s responsible for carrying oxygen. Without enough healthy red blood cells transporting oxygen, the body becomes fatigued. For athletes, fatigue can make it hard to compete.
How to Treat Iron Deficiencies in Athletes
A common way to address iron deficiencies in athletes is through an iron supplement like Fergon® Iron Restore™. Sweating alone rarely causes an iron deficiency in athletes, but when paired with other risk factors, like poor nutrition, low iron levels can occur. Athletes should monitor their iron intake and include iron-rich foods in their diet.