Iron Nutrition and the Female Athlete: Countermeasures for the Prevention of Poor Iron Status

Abstract

Iron is a trace element found in the diet and is essential for cognition and energy metabolism. Poor iron status is a concern for female athletes, who might not consume adequate levels of dietary iron and could experience elevated iron loss from physiologic processes associated with physical activity. Physical performance and cognitive decrements have been demonstrated in female athletes with iron deficiency anemia; both improve with increased iron intake. Two approaches for increasing iron intake in female athletes are the consumption of iron supplements and increasing dietary intake of foods high in iron to include iron-fortified foods. Both of these approaches have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when treating female athletes with poor iron status. © 2011, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.