Iron is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron-deficient people tire easily in part because their bodies are starved for oxygen. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, ATP (the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized. As a result, some iron-deficient people become fatigued even when their hemoglobin levels are normal (i.e., when they are not anemic).

Athletes are not at risk of developing iron deficiency or anemia any more than others; however, metabolically, athletes utilize more minerals, including iron, than non-athletes do.

Women have a greater risk of developing iron deficiency than men. Premenopausal women, in particular, are at risk of becoming iron-deficient because of the blood loss that occurs every month during menstruation.

Doctors often screen for iron deficiency by testing for anemia. However, individuals who have a mild deficiency of iron may not be anemic, since blood counts do not typically drop until iron stores in the body are almost completely depleted. If you suspect you are deficient in iron, ask your doctor to perform a more specific blood test, known as a ferritin test, rather than the routine CBC or total iron tests.

Prior to taking supplemental iron, people should be tested by a doctor to make sure such supplementation is appropriate. Although supplemental iron may help those who are deficient, too much iron may cause adverse side effects, including stomach and intestinal cramps, nausea, and constipation.

Benefits and Uses
• plays integral role in nourishing every cell in the body with oxygen
• iron deficiency can lead to anemia, learning disabilities, impaired immune function, fatigue, and depression
• needed for production of hemoglobin, and oxygenation of red blood cells
• required for energy production and collagen synthesis