Iron deficiency symptoms have been seen to be gradual and may be hard to recognize. Athletes may not know their fatigue isn't normal.
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It's often easy to think your exhausted from school and practice.
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The 3 different stages of iron deficiency
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​ NAID- Non-anemic iron deficiency
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IDMH- Iron deficiency with microcytosis and/or hypochromia
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IDA- Iron deficient anemia
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Symptoms
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Fatigue
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Trouble focusing/Poor school performance
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Athletic Performance
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GI upset
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Poor memory
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Hard time fighting infections
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Mood changes (extreme/frequent)
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The effects of iron on performance and cognition are prevalent at all stages of iron deficiency.
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Population that is affected
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Females that have started mensuration
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People with an increase in blood volume for instance pregnant women.
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Kids as they are growing fast
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People that use a contraceptive
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People that have increased nutritional requirements
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Treatment
There are a few treatment options that the doctor might have the athlete do. However, nutrition can also help, for more information check out the nutrition section.
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Include some of the recommended foods into a pre game snack.
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If parents are bringing snacks after the game, mention these foods as an idea of what to bring.
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Recommend parents visit the site for home recipe ideas.
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Clénin, G. E. et al. 2016. “Iron Deficiency in Sports - Definition, Influence on Performance and Therapy.” Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Sportmedizin und Sporttraumatologie 64(1): 6–18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26512429/ (January 28, 2021).
What Is Iron and What Does It Do? http://ods.od.nih.gov (January 28, 2021)
