Abstract
Although iron is found in trace amounts in the body, it plays an important role in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Iron is therefore very important for athletes with high oxygen requirements, especially endurance athletes. Despite its importance, many athletes are diagnosed with iron deficiency. The relationship between iron regulation and exercise has been a focus of research, as it has been suggested that athletic performance is related to iron regulation. In particular, the discovery of hepcidin, an iron-regulating hormone synthesised in the liver, has received much attention. Hepcidin is known to inhibit iron absorption from the intestinal tract and promote iron excretion, and is closely related to iron nutritional status in vivo. In addition, the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been found to be an inducer of hepcidin expression. Much research has been conducted on the effects of training and diet (nutrients) on iron status in athletes. However, the detailed mechanisms of exercise-induced iron deficiency in athletes remain unclear. This paper summaries the less commonly reported effects of exercise on iron movement and diet on iron status.
In particular, we will focus on the impact of exercise on iron levels in the body, and the impact of meal timing and composition on iron levels.