Runner's World (UK)

CAST-IRON FACTS

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Mark Gregory’s letter regarding iron (RW October) was perhaps misleading for anyone consuming or considerin­g a plant-based diet. He argued that plant-based readers need not worry so much about their iron levels because a study had shown that vegans were found to have the highest iron intake. However, the RW article in question made it clear that absorption was the important factor, not intake. The volume of iron consumed is irrelevant if that iron is not being absorbed effectivel­y by the body. Low iron is a risk for all runners, particular­ly menstruati­ng women, and so we should be mindful of the health advice we give – particular­ly if it results in a plant-based runner giving up their iron supplement­s.

Craig Hughes, Edinburgh

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