What Research Actually Says About Ferritin, Iron Deficiency, and Running

Are you noticing that you are tired all the time and cannot seem to hit your paces in training? Those are not symptoms to ignore. Sometimes, these are signs of low ferritin levels that warrant bloodwork and a doctor visit. In this episode, we examine the research on low ferritin and running, including the causes, how to treat, and how to prevent low ferritin.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why general population reference ranges for iron are not appropriate for endurance athletes

✅ Why iron and ferritin levels matter so much for runners

✅ Signs and symptoms of low ferritin levels in runners

✅ Why runners are so prone to low ferritin levels

✅ How long it takes for iron levels to increase

✅ What impacts your iron intake and absorption

References

🔬PMID: 35565873

🔬PMID: 38407751

🔬PMID: 31413088

🔬 https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron#toc-nutrient-interactions

🔬 PMID: 36728680

🔬PMID: 25247929

🔬https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-01992-8

🔬\https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/apnm-2012-0361#.WYClN9PyvBJ

🔬 PMID: 28452395

🔬 PMID: 37895389

🔬 https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/140/Supplement 1/11074/488529/Prevalence-of-Iron-Deficiency-in-Endurance-Runners

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

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