Best Practice Case Studies-Iron Deficiency and Anemia

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Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are significant concerns in sports medicine, particularly affecting endurance athletes and menstruating women. Iron is crucial for oxygen delivery throughout the body via red blood cells, and low iron levels can impair bodily functions, including immune and cognitive performance, as well as athletic abilities. Causes of iron deficiency include poor diet, inadequate absorption, and iron loss. Athletes often experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and diminished athletic performance.<br /><br />Sports medicine evaluations should involve comprehensive history-taking, physical exams, and laboratory tests to assess iron levels, traditionally including hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, and iron analyses. Screening for iron deficiency in female and male endurance athletes is recommended. Treatment for IDA involves daily oral iron supplements to enhance performance, although supplementation for those with ID alone remains debated. Decisions on supplementation should be collaborative, involving an athlete, physician, and potentially a dietician.<br /><br />Nutrition plays a vital role in managing ID and IDA. Iron is better absorbed from food sources, such as red meat, chicken, fish, iron-enriched cereals, beans, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C aids iron supplement absorption; however, milk, coffee, and calcium can impede it. Iron supplements may cause constipation, so it's advised to increase fiber intake. Athletes following vegetarian or vegan diets must ensure sufficient dietary iron.<br /><br />Athletes experiencing weakness or shortness of breath may need exercise restrictions until iron levels improve and symptoms abate, facilitating a return to normal athletic performance. AMSSM, consisting of 2,500 sports medicine physicians, provides comprehensive care for athletes, supporting optimal health outcomes.<br /><br />For more information, explore resources at www.amssm.org.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 24

Topic Hematology

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 24

3rd Edition

Hematology

iron deficiency

iron deficiency anemia

sports medicine

endurance athletes

menstruating women

iron supplements

nutrition

athletic performance

AMSSM

dietary iron