Why is iron important in a fitness program?

Why is iron important in a fitness program?

John Spencer Ellis (Author, TV Show Host, Trainer and CEO, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association) gives expert video advice on: What questions should I ask my doctor before starting an exercise program?; How do I know if I'm out of shape?; How do I know if I'm obese? and more...

Iron is essential in a fitness program if you're an athlete, but iron is specifically crucial for a female athlete. All too often, female athletes are susceptible to iron-poor blood, and sometimes this lack of iron is due to the menstrual cycle, and sometimes the lack of iron is just due to the amount of exercise they're doing by itself. If you do not have an iron deficiency, there is really no need to supplement additional iron. That can cause other health problems. So only supplement iron if there is a deficit, only if some test shows that you are lacking iron. It's important because iron helps haemoglobin, a component of your blood, combine with oxygen, which is transported to the working muscle. So if you're able to transport more oxygen to the working muscle, you will have the ability to do your activity for a longer duration, and improve your performance.