What percent increased requirement do long distance runners have for iron compared to non-runners?

Long-distance runners have a significantly increased requirement for iron compared to non-runners primarily due to the demands placed on their bodies during prolonged physical activity. As they engage in extensive endurance training, several factors contribute to a heightened need for iron.

One major reason is that regular intense exercise can lead to an increase in red blood cell production to supply more oxygen to the muscles. This heightened production requires adequate iron, which is a critical component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Additionally, long-distance running can cause a certain amount of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) due to mechanical stress as foot impact can cause capillaries to rupture in red blood cells, further raising the body's need for iron to replace those lost cells.

Moreover, athletes may also experience dietary insufficiencies. If their nutritional intake does not match the increased demand for iron, they can become at risk for iron deficiency, leading to issues such as fatigue and decreased performance. Therefore, the increase in iron requirements for long-distance runners is notably around 70% compared to non-runners, which reflects the distinct physiological adaptations and stresses they experience in their training and competitions. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring and possibly supplementing iron intake in athletes to maintain optimal performance and health.