Feb 2, 2019 | Nutrition
A small percentage of the population has a condition called haemochromatosis. In this condition, iron accumulates in tissues causing damage and disease. Haemochromatosis often goes undiagnosed for many years. Iron supplementation is dangerous for people with haemochromatosis.
Some athletes have been known to have iron injections in order to rapidly increase iron stores. Research indicates performance is not improved by iron injections. There is a risk that anaphylactic shock can occur with iron injections. This can be fatal.
Written by AIS Sports Nutrition, last updated November 2009. © Australian Sports Commission
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Feb 2, 2019 | Nutrition
It is extremely difficult to correct iron deficiency anaemia solely with an iron-rich diet. Supplementation (under the guidance of your medical practitioner) is usually required to treat a diagnosed iron deficiency.
Often athletes experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or lethargy turn to iron supplements to correct or prevent the problem. Currently, there is little evidence to indicate that iron supplementation improves aerobic capacity in athletes with depleted iron stores, who do not have anaemia. Further research is needed before iron supplementation is recommended for athletes without clinically diagnosed iron deficiency anaemia. Regular, inappropriate use of iron supplements can interfere with zinc and copper absorption and may have negative effects on the immune system.
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Feb 2, 2019 | Nutrition
Iron supplementation is needed to recover depleted iron stores and an iron-rich diet is needed to maintain the increase in iron stores. Typically, supplementation involves 100-300 mg of iron per day in conjunction with vitamin C to enhance absorption. Full recovery is slow and can take as long as 3 months. Blood levels should be reviewed after 10-12 weeks and supplementation ceased when measurements return to usual ranges.
A diet rich in iron is needed to prevent iron depletion reoccurring. A dietitian can provide specific feedback. However, the following tips will help:
- Choose breakfast cereals that contain added iron.
- Consume red meat such as beef, lamb or kangaroo 3-4 times each week. Small amounts (80-100 g) are sufficient. Think about creative ways to consume meat such as in sandwiches, stirfries and soups if you find it difficult to eat large chunks of meat. Shellfish, canned fish and poultry are also useful sources of iron.
- Add vitamin C-rich foods (fruit, juice, capsicum, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) to meals to enhance the absorption of iron.
- For vegetarian meals, choose iron-rich foods such as legumes and add vitamin C-rich foods to enhance the absorption of non-haem iron
- Avoid or limit intake of iron inhibitors such as bran and wheat germ.
- Avoid drinking strong tea and coffee with meals. It is OK between meals but not with meals.
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Feb 2, 2019 | Nutrition
Iron depletion is a continuous process that ultimately results in iron deficiency anaemia if untreated. Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where iron is depleted to such an extent that the manufacture of haemoglobin and red blood cells is limited. It is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, and impaired aerobic capacity. It is easy to confuse many of these symptoms with conditions such as the flu, overtraining or ‘being run-down’.
One-off blood tests are difficult to interpret when it comes to iron status. Correct diagnosis requires an assessment of habitual dietary intake, clinical symptoms and ongoing monitoring of blood levels. A number of factors are usually taken into account when assessing iron status. A skilled practitioner is needed to accurately assess iron status. Many athletes have routine blood monitoring to assess iron status. Iron depleted athletes can quickly develop iron deficiency anaemia if not detected early. Regular monitoring allows the sports physician to keep track of individual changes and trends.
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Feb 2, 2019 | Nutrition
Athletes have a high risk of iron depletion for several reasons:
- High requirements
- Increased red blood cell mass means athletes have higher iron needs. Needs are particularly high during times of growth.
- Iron is lost in the sweat. Athletes with high sweat losses have higher iron losses.
- Iron can be lost through gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding commonly occurs during strenuous exercise due to minor damage to the stomach and intestinal lining. Some gastrointestinal blood loss can be caused by the habitual use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Mechanical trauma such as footstrike haemolysis (repeated pounding of the feet on hard surfaces) can destroy red blood cells during activities such as running.
- Increased losses
- Iron intake is often sub-optimal in athletes with restricted food intakes:
- Trying to survive on low kilojoule intakes (below 8 300 kj, 2000 cal) in an attempt to minimise body weight
- Eating poorly balanced vegetarian diets
- Avoiding meat, chicken or fish in an effort to enhance carbohydrate intake or in the mistaken belief that it is fattening
- A high reliance on snack and convenience foods and failure to consume regular meals can reduce the athlete’s intake of iron containing foods
- Avoiding commercially fortified foods such as breakfast cereals can lead to insufficient intake
- Dietary Issues
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