Episode 29. Iron Deficiency In Endurance Athletes: What You Need to Know

<p></p><p><strong>Iron Deficiency in Endurance Athletes — What You Need to Know</strong></p><p>Somewhere along the ultramarathon journey, host Erin Quinn lost sight of one crucial metric: iron. In this episode, she dives deep into iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among endurance athletes — especially female runners, up to 45% of whom may be affected.</p><p>Erin breaks down why iron matters (hint: it&#39;s tied directly to oxygen delivery and performance), how endurance training accelerates iron loss through hemolysis, sweat, and inflammation, and why menstruating and plant-based athletes face even greater risk. She also shares her own wake-up call — a summer of unexplained fatigue, heart palpitations, and hills that suddenly felt impossible — that led to a shocking blood test result.</p><p>You&#39;ll learn the symptoms to watch for, the difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, how it&#39;s diagnosed, and what treatment options (from dietary changes to supplements to infusions) look like.</p><p>Knowledge is power — don&#39;t let iron be the blind spot in your training.</p><p>Start where you are, but make sure you start.</p><p><em>Follow Erin Quinn, @erinquinnultraruncoach for more tips and training and everything Ultra. To contact Erin and learn more about her 1:1 online ultrarunning coaching go to erinmaryquinn.com or just shoot her an email at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com </em></p><p><em>She&#39;d love to hear your thoughts, comments, and any stories you&#39;d like to share or topics you&#39;re interested in having her cover on the podcast.</em></p><p><em>Start Where You Are, But Start!</em></p><p></p>