Iron is the most essential mineral and part of hemoglobin which plays an important role by carrying oxygen components in the blood. Deficiency of iron may cause in people to suffer from fatigue and other physical disorders because of the lack of oxygen. There is a great risk for athletes to have iron insufficiency. Iron also function as storing of oxygen in the muscle cells and boost energy to the body. The iron deficiency cannot help producing adenosine triposphate (ATP) that runs the body to function in a proper way. Thus, a person, with deficiency of iron, is always seen to suffer from fatigue and weariness even when their hemoglobin levels are normal.
Oysters, poultry, fish and meat are rich in "heme" iron which is the most absorbable form of iron. Another form is Non-heme iron which is richly found in dried fruit, fish, meat, oysters, molasses, wine, iron supplements and leafy green vegetables. Tomato sauce, an acidic food cooked in an iron pan, can also be a source of dietary iron.
Why Are Iron Used By Athletes? - Iron enhances the energy level in the body so athletes consume products containing iron. It functions as a medium of transporting oxygen to the muscle and is an important constituent of hemoglobin. There are blurred reasons for having low body-iron levels in marathon runners. The anemia in athletes might not be due to lack of iron and could be the normal stress of exercise they follow. Persons suffering from iron deficiency should consult a doctor. In such conditions, people suffering from iron deficiency should not consume iron supplements unless the deficiency of iron is diagnosed.
Thus, if any athletes are in need of iron are advised to take 100mg per day until the blood tests indicate the requirement. A 100-200 mg dosage of iron per day can be beneficial as it increases the stamina for aerobic exercise. In addition to that, modern research has been found that especially women athletes consume low iron diet. So it is necessary for them to take 20 mg of iron per day for six weeks. This will revitalizes the knee strength and can continue her exercise without fatigue.
Side Effects of Interactions of Iron Products - It is advised to keep iron (ferrous sulfate) containing products and supplements out of children's reach as it is one of the leading causes of accidental poisonings. Supplementing iron can be dangerous for persons who are suffering from hemochromatosis, polycythemia, hemosiderosis and iron-loading anemia. You should also know the fact that supplement amounts can cause constipation if taken excessively. Many researchers have linked overload iron deficiency levels to cancer, diabetes and even increase the jeopardy of infection, exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The level of iron efficiency can be analyzed by testing the anemia. It is to be noted that persons having mild deficiency of iron may not suffer from anemia. However, person with iron deficiency should consult a doctor before taking supplements of iron. The physician's prescription should be followed thoroughly to take supplements: you should take iron supplements or pills with food, the number of pills should be taken gradually as prescribed by your doctor. If the consumption of iron pills make you constipated then take fiber added diet.