S1E7: Iron Deficiency in Endurance Athletes : What You Need to Know

Iron deficiency sneaks up on endurance athletes—and I’ve felt it. In this episode, we break down why it happens (diet gaps, sweat loss, foot-strike hemolysis, heavy training) and how to fix it for good. You’ll learn what ferritin and hemoglobin really tell you, why heme iron absorbs differently than plant sources, and when smart supplementation makes sense. Beyond labs, it’s about training wiser, recovering deeper, and fueling with intent—so you stay strong, stay consistent, and keep stacking PRs.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction02:20 Cultural Factors Contributing to Iron Deficiency11:49 Scientific Causes of Iron Deficiency14:52 The Importance of Iron for Athletic Performance19:36 Getting Your Blood Tested for Iron Levels22:25 The Role of Ferritin in Iron Storage35:32 Understanding Iron Saturation Levels39:06 Ferritin Levels and Storage Space for Iron41:27 Role of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in Oxygen Transport51:39 Diet Culture and Iron Deficiency55:06 Supplementation and Managing Iron Levels01:00:45 Concluding Thoughts on Iron and PerformanceBecome a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberBat City Track Club is an emerging national class and regionally elite team with a primary focus on distances 5,000m to the marathon.https://www.batcitytc.com/FOLLOW:IG: https://www.instagram.com/theconsistentlygoodpodcast/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdvAh1V7frci0Rfv0dfm9-gJEFF CUNNINGHAM:IG: @jdcunningham97BAT CITY: @batcitytrackclubThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)