symptom
Low Iron in Female Athletes & Runners: Symptoms & Performance
Why female runners and athletes face high iron turnover through foot-strike hemolysis, sweat losses, and how iron status impacts endurance.
By Nourish By Nutrients Editorial Team •
Updated: October 2026
Key Evidence Takeaways:
- Endurance training increases iron loss through foot-strike hemolysis and sweat.
- Low ferritin impairs oxygen transport and athletic recovery well before full anemia develops.
- Timing iron intake around training sessions maximizes gut absorption.