Bears TC: Ferritin Guideline
Ferritin and Iron: Essential Components for Endurance Athletes
Athletic performance — particularly in endurance sports — relies heavily on the body’s ability to efficiently transport oxygen to working muscles.
Ferritin plays a central role in this process as the primary iron storage protein. Maintaining optimal ferritin levels is crucial for:
Maximizing aerobic capacity
Supporting recovery
Promoting immune function
Why Monitoring Ferritin Matters:
Endurance athletes — especially those training at altitude — are at increased risk for low iron stores due to:
Increased red blood cell production demands
Iron loss through sweat and exercise-induced hemolysis
Elevated training volumes and intensities
Potential Symptoms of Low Ferritin:
Persistent fatigue
Decreased performance
Slower recovery rates
Frequent illness
Sensitivity to cold
Our Recommendation:
We advise all endurance athletes to monitor their ferritin levels proactively through a simple serum ferritin blood test.
Our Ferritin Guidelines provide detailed information on:
Optimal ferritin ranges for performance
When and how to get tested
Best practices for managing iron through diet and, if necessary, supplementation
Maintaining appropriate ferritin levels is a key part of maximizing athletic potential and long-term health.
For any questions or assistance interpreting lab results, please feel free to reach out.
Coach Luke
Bears Track Club
