lron Deficiency in Athletes: Consequence or Adaption in Strenuous Activity

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Recent sensitive measures reveal high prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in active young populations.
• ID affects various physiological functions, including muscle oxidative capacity, protein synthesis, growth, behavior, and thermoregulation.
• Specific exercise limitations differ: anemia impacts intense exercise, while ID affects endurance performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of iron deficiency on physiological functions and exercise performance in athletes.
• To highlight the importance of monitoring iron status in athletes.
• To discuss the role of dietary iron supplementation in preventing and managing iron deficiency.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining iron status, iron deficiency, and exercise performance.
• Analysis of the physiological consequences of iron deficiency.
• Discussion of the implications for athletes and sports nutrition.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is prevalent in young athletes engaged in strenuous physical activity.
• Anemia primarily limits high-intensity exercise, whereas broader iron deficiency impairs endurance performance.
• Iron deficiency negatively affects muscle oxidative capacity, protein synthesis, growth, behavior, and body temperature regulation.

Conclusions:

• The pervasive effects of iron deficiency necessitate increased attention to athletes' iron status.
• Dietary iron supplementation is a viable strategy for preventing and intervening in iron deficiency among athletes.
• Further research and clinical focus on iron status in athletic populations are warranted.