Testing iron levels might be a good idea

It may be advisable for athletes to test their iron and vitamin D levels.

Both of these are nutrients that an surprisingly large number of athletes are deficient in, and the effects of both nutrient deficiencies can be very detrimental to an athlete at worst: low iron levels can lead to anemia, and excessively low vitamin D levels increase the risk of injury. Recovery from these can ruin a good season. Low iron levels are often associated with female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport. Athletes following a vegetarian diet, and especially veganism, should pay attention to adequate iron intake.

Although the effects of mild iron deficiency and slightly lower ferritin levels on athletic performance are unclear, if the values are already very low, it's a short step from these low values to actual deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, impaired performance, and shortness of breath, and these can occur even before ferritin levels are below reference values. 

The content of this publication is purely informative. It can in no way assist or replace a doctor's diagnoses, treatments or recommendations. In matters of concern, consult a trusted professional and ask for consent before starting any procedure.