Iron Status in Sport Horses: Is It Important for Equine Athletes?

Iron is unquestionably an essential element of physical performance for horses, just as it is for many other animals, including humans. Although post-exercise equine iron deficiency is not a common problem, recent studies showed that equine athletes may be considered a model for human exercise physiology. Sports anemia among human athletes is a common nutritional issue and remains one reason for poor physical fitness. Thus, this study area needs comprehensive knowledge since iron homeostasis changes in equine athletes remain unrecognized. The current review aims to summarize studies describing iron metabolism changes in response to physical effort in equine sports medicine. The confirmed prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hemolysis, and hematuria in horse athletes seems to play a role in iron metabolism. Similarly, exercise-induced inflammation and its effect on the iron key regulator in mammals-hepcidin-may be as crucial for overall iron homeostasis in horses as in humans. In this review, we also present available data regarding the possible effect of various hormones on iron metabolism, performance-enhancing strategies related to iron metabolism in horse athletes, and the clinical relevance of regular iron status monitoring in sport horses. Overall, this article aims to discuss current knowledge and highlight existing gaps in our understanding of iron homeostasis in sport horses.