Do you feel tired during training? Iron deficiency could be affecting your athletic performance.
Iron is an essential mineral for the body. Its main function is to facilitate the transport of oxygen in the blood and to participate in biochemical processes that enable energy production within cells.
In athletes, a deficiency in this nutrient can cause fatigue, reduced performance, decreased endurance , and difficulty with muscle recovery.
Why are female athletes more vulnerable? Iron deficiency affects women more, especially those who practice endurance sports such as cycling, running, or CrossFit.
Factors contributing to this situation include iron loss during menstruation and insufficient dietary intake.
Consequences for physical performance and health When iron levels are low, the body's ability to transport oxygen to the muscles decreases, reducing energy efficiency during exercise.
This can lead to a persistent feeling of fatigue, decreased performance, and, in more advanced cases, anemia. According to studies, women who train intensively without monitoring their iron levels may experience a decrease in their recovery capacity.
Consequences for physical performance and health. Photo: iStock
Dr. Mario Merchan, Medical Director of P&G's Health Division, warns that proper nutrition and supplementation, when necessary and under medical supervision, are essential to preventing iron deficiency.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid consuming beverages such as coffee or tea during meals, as these can interfere with iron absorption.
This is what you should know. Photo: Istock
In Colombia, where running and cycling are extremely popular, raising awareness about the importance of maintaining adequate iron levels is a priority.
The difference in prevalence between women (28%) and men (1.6%) underscores the need for specific strategies for female athletes.
With the goal of promoting early detection and fostering healthy eating habits, P&G's health division is launching the "Iron Colombians" campaign .
As part of this initiative, the Anemitest online questionnaire has been launched , a tool that can identify whether a person may be at risk for iron deficiency. The test is available at:
- https://pglavms.jebbit.com/tbkpwkgv?L=Full+Page&JC=Press+Release
*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from P&G Health, and reviewed and edited by the journalist.
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