Inadequate iron intake can have a negative impact on athletic performance. The negative aspects caused by iron deficiency are directly related to the depletion levels of this mineral, and ultimately results in iron-deficiency anemia. The present article clarifies that in addition to low dietary iron intake, there are many aggregated factors that are not directly diet-related but that together can interfere on the negative iron balance, especially in athletes. Among the etiologic factors associated with sports, the most evident are gastrointestinal bleeding, impact and free-radical hemolyses and iron lost in sweat. Control of iron intake and attention to detect iron deficiency early are of critical importance to avoid changes in the normal production of hemoglobin and other essential compounds, since these changes may decrease performance considerably, especially aerobic performance. Although supplementation is essential for recovering from iron deficiency, self-medication is contraindicated because of the negative consequences of excess iron intake. Discussion of this subject is of extreme importance to the world of sports. This review aims to clarify the main etiological factors involved, covering sports anemia and the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
Anemia; Iron deficiency; Motor activity; Athletes