And what is the difference?
Have you ever been told you have iron deficiency or anemia? What if I told you that iron deficiency is really due to iron DYSREGULATION in the body?
Iron is the number one element on the planet. Our bodies make 24 mg of iron for us everyday, and our body NEEDS 25 mg per day to make red blood cells, which means we only need to be eating 1 mg of iron per day to make up that difference. We are getting plenty of iron through food. Probably too much with everything that is fortified.
So why are so many active women dealing with iron issues?
For many, the issue stems from a lack of bioavailable copper and magnesium needed to properly utilize iron and mobilize it in the body. When iron gets stuck in the tissues and is unable to move throughout the bloodstream, this shows up as low iron on labs.
Copper, magnesium, and iron play critical roles in energy production. And when iron gets trapped, it leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, which ultimately leads to symptoms and disease. For runners especially, depletion of magnesium and oxidative stress from iron dysregulation can lead to heart problems, which is why we see marathoners with heart attacks.
Not sure if you’re dealing with iron dysregulation? Download my checklist to see if your symptoms line up, and then let’s chat! I’d love to connect and learn if I can help!
