Iron is important for several key functions in the body including, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, cognitive function, and optimal immune function. These functions are important to athletes, since they can impact endurance (aerobic) capacity, mood, perceived fatigue levels, training adaptation and performance, plus overall health status.

These Best Practice Guidelines are intended for sport physicians, sports dietitians and physiologists in the Australian high performance sport system and outline best practice for managing iron deficiency in athletes.