Anemia/iron deficiency

Other Running Related Topic

19 years ago 03/31/2005 5:52pm EST

I found out today that I'm anemic and need to start taking iron supplements. The doctor told me that I was at 40 (18 y/o male), which apparently means that my hematocrit makes up 40% of my blood (correct?). I have been running poorly this year, but I attributed that to adjusting to higher mileage and college life in general. My doctor told me to take a liquid supplement or pills, get tested again in four weeks, and also gave me a sheet with foods and the amount of iron they contain. Can anyone here tell me a bit more on this topic?

How much can this be affecting my running? Will getting my hematocrit back to a normal level yield noticable improvements?

19 years ago 03/31/2005 6:21pm EST

re: Anemic

Hi, I struggle with the same problem and once you get your iron up you will notice a HUGE difference. I went from running 19:30 5k to 17:10 this didn't happen over night, but after a few months I was already starting to improve. And went on to be a multiple time All-American. I take FeroSul (over the counter liquid form of iron) take it with 8oz. of orange juice. I have a lot of information on eating, etc. if you want it since this is an on going problem for me. Just let me know if I can help.

19 years ago 03/31/2005 6:33pm EST

re: trainingsolo

can you tell me the differences before and after taking the supplements? also how did you change your eating habits? thanks, i think i might have low iron..

19 years ago 03/31/2005 6:40pm EST

re: help?

Before taking the supplements: I was constantly tired ( I was sleeping 12+ hours), I forget the term the doctor used, but I had strange food cravings, I got to the point where I had to stop and walk in the middle of a 20 minute run because I had such a hard time breathing, I would attempt workouts and could hold the pace, but only for a short maybe 200-400m and then I would fall off really bad. I was also always very cold no matter what the weather was like

After taking the supplements: I noticed my breathing was much easier and I was able to run better. The food cravings went away. I was less fatigued ( I still do sleep a fair amount though). I just started to feel improvements in all aspects that I listed before taking iron.

I have since changed my diet. I did see a nutritionist and it has helped me a lot in terms to not only for my iron, but for the amount of training I do (80 miles a wk or so) Red meat, green leafy veggies, orange juice with the iron to help absorb it. Don't have any dairy 2 hrs. before or after taking the iron, dairy cuts down on the body absorbs the iron.

If you have any other questions, fire away :)

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Anemia/iron deficiency

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Anemia/iron deficiency

Follow trainingsolo

Block trainingsolo

Follow trainingsolo

Block trainingsolo

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.