Determine the function of Iron for athletes?
Iron carries oxygen and is another important mineral for athletes. It also affects oxygen transport and aerobic metabolism as a component of haemoglobin, myoglobin, and oxidative enzymes. Immune function is dependent on iron-containing enzymes. Consuming adequate amounts of iron is essential for an optimal aerobic endurance performance especially for the female athletes and athletes between 13 and 19 years of age. Female athletes, who train heavily, have a high incidence of amenorrhea and thus, conserve iron stores. In any case, iron intake should not be less than 50-75 mg for sportsmen and 60-100 mg for sportswomen.