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Iron’s impact on athletic performance: a survey-based study
- 1 St. Andrew’s College, Ontario, Canada
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in athletic performance, particularly through its involvement in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. This study investigates the awareness, perceptions, and dietary behaviors related to iron intake among athletes, focusing on the prevalence and impact of iron deficiency. A survey of 60 participants aged 16 to 59 revealed that 34% experienced symptoms of iron deficiency, with higher rates among females (41%) and those engaged in intense exercise. The study found a positive correlation between the consumption of iron-rich foods and self-assessed athletic ability, emphasizing the importance of diet in maintaining optimal iron levels. However, the frequency of iron-rich food consumption did not significantly impact recovery speed, suggesting that other factors, such as exercise intensity, play a more significant role in recovery. The findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional strategies and educational initiatives to address iron deficiency, particularly in high-risk groups. The study also highlights the complexity of athletic nutrition, where multiple nutrients and factors contribute to overall performance. Future research should explore the long-term effects of iron supplementation and the specific needs of different athlete populations to optimize performance and health.
Keywords
Iron deficiency, athletic performance, sports nutrition.
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Cite this article
Zhang,K. (2024). Iron’s impact on athletic performance: a survey-based study. Theoretical and Natural Science,64,1-7.
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Biological Engineering and Medical Science
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