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Introduction
Iron is an important nutrient for athletes, given that it is used for oxygen transport and energy production.
However, research on athletes often reports a relatively high prevalence of iron deficiency. Common symptoms of low iron status like lethargy, fatigue and negative mood states are naturally of concern to athletes. But there is also the potential for low iron to directly impact work capacity. Therefore, maintaining adequate iron status (and knowing the signs of iron deficiency) is crucial for athlete health and performance.
In this episode, Professor Pete Peeling of the University of Western Australia discusses the role of iron in performance, iron deficiency in athletes, the impact of exercise-induced inflammation, and other important issues.
Related resources
- Previous episodes in this series:
- Twitter: @PetePeeling
- Further reading:
- Iron and its importance in sports performance
- Contributing factors to iron deficiency in athletes
- Influence of exercise-induced inflammation on the transient increase of the hormone hepcidin
- How iron deficiency impacts performance
- Nutrition strategies to prevent and correct iron deficiency
Guest Information
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Peter received his PhD from the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he investigated the impact of exercise on various mechanisms associated to iron deficiency in endurance athletes. This work highlighted the influence of exercise-induced inflammation on the transient increase of the hormone, hepcidin, which plays a regulatory role in controlling dietary iron absorption in the gut. As a result of this early work, Peter has continued to explore the impact of exercise on iron metabolism, with a focus on practical strategies that can optimise iron stores in active populations.
In addition to his research interests, Peter has also worked as an applied sports physiologist in the Australian National Institute Network, where he provided sports science services in the daily training environment of many Western Australian athlete’s competing at a National and International level across multiple 4-year Olympic cycles.
As Peter’s role in the NIN has progressed, he now finds himself as the Director of Research at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), where he oversees the WA High Performance Sport Research Centre.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
Iron is an important nutrient for athletes, given that it is used for oxygen transport and energy production.
However, research on athletes o en reports a relatively high prevalence of iron deficiency. Common symptoms of low iron status like lethargy, fatigue and negative mood states are naturally of concern to athletes. But there is also the potential for low iron to directly impact work capacity. Therefore, maintaining adequate iron status (and knowing the signs of iron deficiency) is crucial for athlete health and performance.
In this episode, Professor Pete Peeling of the University of Western Australia discusses the role of iron in performance, iron deficiency in athletes, the impact of exercise-induced inflammation, and other important issues.
Connection to Previous Episodes
#240: Exercise-Associated Anemia, Hepcidin Activity & Implications for Athletes
- In this episode registered dietitian Erica Goldstein was on the podcast to discuss issues related to iron-deficiency, especially in the context of athletes.
- We discussed the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia, why iron is so crucial for athlete performance, and the role of hepcidin, among other things. You can find the episode page here.
#465: Diagnosing & Treating Iron Deficiency & Excess – Austin Baraki, MD
- This episode was the 1st in this 3-part series on iron.
- In the episode, Dr. Austin Baraki discussed some of the clinical aspects of iron status, including the impacts of both deficiency and excess.
- The discussion also emphasized how crucial both accurate diagnosis and explanation of the deficiency is.
- You can find the episode page here.
#466: Iron Absorption from Foods & Supplements – Prof. Paul Sharp
- This episode was the 2nd in this 3-part series on iron.
- Some of the nuances of iron bioavailability, absorption, and metabolism, were covered in this episode with leading expert in the area Professor Paul Sharp of Kingʼs College London.
- Prof. Sharp discusses crucial aspects of dietary iron sources, bioavailability, supplementation, and impacts in the body.
- You can find the episode page here.
