Abstract
Iron deficiency is one of the world's most common nutritional problems: according to the WHO, approximately 30% of the female population aged 15-49 years suffers from iron deficiency anemia. Women are more likely than men to have inadequate dietary iron intake. Women are also more likely to suffer from iron deficiency because iron is also lost through menstrual bleeding. Many athletes, not just women, have also been diagnosed with iron deficiency. Iron plays an important role in oxygen transport and energy metabolism in the body and is therefore very important for athletes with high oxygen requirements, especially endurance athletes. However, despite its importance, many studies, particularly in endurance athletes, have shown a tendency towards low serum ferritin levels. This paper focuses on iron deficiency in athletes and describes the relationship between iron deficiency and exercise. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of different types of exercise on iron nutritional status and the issues that arise.