Tag: Female runners

According to a 2022 study, nearly 48% of female marathon and half-marathon participants had clinical iron deficiency, underscoring its high prevalence among athletes. Understanding what is a good iron level for a female runner is crucial, as this mineral is vital for oxygen transport, energy production, and overall performance. This guide will explain why standard ranges often fall short for athletes and outline the optimal ferritin levels to aim for.

Prevalence data indicates that up to 35% of female athletes and up to 11% of male athletes experience some form of iron deficiency. This makes the question, "should runners take iron?" a critical consideration for both performance and overall health.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies among athletes, with up to 60% of female athletes experiencing it. Many runners wonder, "should I take iron pills as a runner?"—the answer is complex and depends heavily on individual health, diet, and symptoms.