Iron Deficiency and Athletics Performance: Implication, Interventions, and Strategies for Optimization
Date
2-20-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
10:00-10:10am | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Iron is a crucial mineral that supports oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and muscle function. It is primarily stored in hemoglobin and myoglobin, facilitating oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. Additionally, iron plays a role in critical metabolic pathways, such as the electron transport chain and enzyme activity. While adequate iron levels are necessary for optimal performance, excessive iron can be harmful, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Hepcidin, a key regulatory protein, controls iron absorption and distribution, ensuring adequate levels while preventing toxicity. Increased hepcidin levels can limit iron availability, which is particularly relevant for athletes who experience iron loss through training and sweat. Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is common among athletes due to increased iron losses from training and insufficient dietary intake. This can impair oxygen transport, reduce endurance, and negatively affect strength, power, and recovery. Iron is important for training athletes, as it is needed to produce red blood cells in response to low blood oxygen. An examination of iron metabolism in athletes with its impact on performance and the importance of iron for physical performance.
Athletes with low iron stores may benefit from supplementation, especially during high-intensity training or altitude exposure. However, excess supplementation in those with sufficient iron does not enhance performance and may lead to increased hepcidin levels, reducing iron absorption. Additionally, adequate levels of vitamins D and B12 can support iron metabolism and red blood cell production. For athletes, balancing vitamin D and B12 intake is essential for overall performance, energy, and recovery. Regular attention to dietary sources will help maintain these vitamins at optimal levels for athletic performance.
Iron is essential for endurance athletes, especially if they are trained hard. If an athlete has low ferritin, iron supplements can be taken to help their body produce red blood cells. But, if an athlete already has enough iron, taking more will not improve their performance. The current rules on iron management are unclear, so more research is needed to find the best iron levels and how to supplement them. Overuse of iron supplements can cause high levels of a protein called hepcidin, which can hinder your body from absorption and use of iron properly. However, increasing your intake of the right calories and enough vitamin D and B12 could help reduce levels and improve how your body uses iron.
In conclusion, Iron plays a vital role in athletic performance by supporting oxygen transport and muscle function. Deficiencies can significantly impair endurance and strength, while proper management of diet and supplementation can help maintain optimal iron status. Future research should refine guidelines for iron supplementation in athletes to maximize performance without causing adverse effects.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Exercise Science
Recommended Citation
Abner, Alicia, "Iron Deficiency and Athletics Performance: Implication, Interventions, and Strategies for Optimization" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 77.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/77
