Iron and Performance: Understanding the Athlete's Needs with Dr. Leo Kormanik, Dr. Jared Bugaj, and Dr. Katie Phillips

Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance

The critical role of iron in athletic performance is the focal point of our discussion today. Iron is paramount for aerobic athletes, as it facilitates the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, thereby enhancing endurance and overall performance. In this episode, I, Dr. Leo Kormanik, alongside my esteemed colleagues Dr. Jared Bugaj and Dr. Katie Phillips, delve into the intricacies of iron's significance, particularly for endurance runners. We explore the implications of iron deficiency, its impact on physical exertion, and the nuanced approaches to supplementation. Our aim is to equip athletes with the knowledge necessary to optimize their iron levels, thereby improving their athletic capabilities and health outcomes.

Takeaways:

• Iron is a crucial element for athletes as it plays a vital role in oxygen transport to muscles, thereby enhancing performance.
• Athletic individuals, particularly endurance athletes, are prone to iron deficiency due to high physical demands and should monitor their iron levels diligently.
• It is imperative to consider the timing and conditions under which iron tests are conducted to ensure accurate assessment of iron status.
• Supplementing iron should be done cautiously, ideally accompanied by vitamin C to enhance absorption, while avoiding calcium-rich foods immediately before intake.
• Women athletes may experience greater iron depletion due to menstrual cycles, necessitating tailored nutritional strategies to maintain adequate iron stores.
• The type of iron supplement matters; ferrous bisglycinate is often recommended for better absorption and fewer gastrointestinal issues compared to other forms.