Low Ferritin Levels and Endurance Athletes Adequate levels of iron in the blood are critical for endurance athletes such as distance runners and cyclists because of iron’s role in binding oxygen, which must circulate throughout the lungs and muscles in the body. Iron is lost through sweat and also through what is called “footstrike hemolysis,” which occurs when blood cells burst due to foot impact with the ground (occurring primarily in distance runners). Endurance athletes with low ferritin levels will suffer from exhaustion, declining performance, heavy legs, tight muscles and increased risk of injury. If you are an endurance athlete, you must have your iron level checked to ensure your body has a sufficient amount of this essential nutrient.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:37:53 +0000
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