Run-Down Forums

[runryrorun]

I went to a running camp in Newport Rhode Island earlier this year, and one of the major nutritional problem they said guys got was anemia. I wanted to ask a couple of questions to the more experienced runnes: How often do you see problems with iron deficiency? How do I know if I am getting enough iron to prevent any problems that may arise? Also, how much time does it take to fully recover when the blood iron level reaches an anemic level?
Thanks for your help,
Ryan
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[Dan]

Anemia is an extreme case of iron deficiency. It's quite common for distance runners to suffer from iron deficiency, and equally easy to correct with over the counter liquid iron. While it's worth getting a ferretin test to be sure the supplement is necessary, it's a pretty safe bet that you can take it without harm. Almost every distance runner that gets tested is either very low or barely adequate...

People seem to feel the benefit of liquid iron within a week or two, but fully boosting the body's stores takes up to 6 months.

Dan
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[Micah Ward]

Nutrition is not an area of expertise for me. But if a runner has a balanced diet that includes lean protien shouldn't that eliminate any worry of anemia?
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[Dan]

No, not really. It helps minimize the chances, but even those with very healthy diets show signs of iron deficiency during heavy training.

(Keep in mind the distinction between anemia and iron deficiency... A healthy diet will surely fend off anemia, but I'd wager that's relevant in far less than 1% of iron-related cases in runners.)

Dan
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[runryrorun]

Would they have Liquid Iron at a supermarket or would I have to look somewhere else for it? Also, how much should I expect to pay for it?
Ryan
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-Outlasted the Energizer Bunny-

[Dan]

Around here, people have had good luck getting it at Walmart. You have to order it through the pharmacy, as they don't stock it for some reason, even though it has an indefinite shelf life in the fridge. About $6 a bottle, which should last several months.

You might ask for it as Ferrous Sulfate or Ferrous Gluconate.

Dan
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