When to use this
When repeated unexplained fatigue puts a physician conversation on the table with an athlete's family.
- A runner whose times keep declining while training stays consistent.
- A female distance runner stacking heavy menstrual bleeding, high mileage, or a plant-based plate.
- Preparing a family for the visit so the pattern gets described clearly and the clinician is left to decide.
Advanced lab
The handoff conversation and the follow-through
The sheet covers who to watch and when to refer. Tell the athletic trainer the same day, then the parent. The words for the handoff and the staff follow-through are here.
Coaches screen and refer — all testing, interpretation, and supplement decisions belong to the athlete's physician, with a sports dietitian building the food plan around whatever the clinician decides.
Evidence sources
These references support the handout’s general education. Individual medical, supplement, laboratory, or injury questions should be handled by the appropriate qualified clinician.
- Burden RJ, Pollock N, Whyte GP, et al. Effect of iron supplementation on iron status and performance in athletes. Br J Nutr. 2015.
- Sim M, Garvican-Lewis LA, Cox GR, et al. Iron considerations for the athlete. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2019.
Where to go next
PrintableCheck the whole fueling pictureFatigue plus missed periods or bone pain points past iron to energy availability — same referral, wider question.
ToolSupport with food nowFind iron-rich meals and pairings the family can start while waiting on the appointment.
GuideHand the family a guideThe Iron Readiness Guide explains what to bring to the visit in family-friendly terms.
