Performance .
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many functions, including the production of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen to muscles. For athletes, iron is especially important, as it contributes to energy to support endurance, strength and performance.
Iron is particularly important for female athletes due to several factors, including: menstruation (blood loss = iron loss = low energy), pregnancy & lactation
Women are at a higher risk of lower iron levels than men because of these additional demands on their bodies. During menstruation in particular, women lose iron through blood loss and may not consume enough iron in their diet to replenish what is lost. In addition to losing iron through blood loss, female athletes can also lose iron through sweat, especially during intense or prolonged exercise.
The Importance of Iron for Camogie Players .
According to an ongoing research project in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University, 40% of inter-county camogie players are low in iron¹, highlighting a potential concern surrounding nutrition and performance within the sport.
Because of iron’s many functions in the body, inadequate iron levels can have a direct impact on energy levels, which can then result in impaired endurance and recovery for camogie players. Camogie players often train multiple times per week, while balancing other commitments, further increasing nutritional demands.
The finding that 40% of inter-county camogie players are low in iron highlights a clear and pressing need for a more proactive, structured approach to female athlete health and performance. In particular, it underscores the importance of and need for:
• Routine iron screening for camogie players and other female athletes to allow for early identification and timely intervention
• Greater education around the menstrual cycle and the impact it has on iron levels and overall well-being
• Improved understanding of the role of iron and other key nutrients in supporting female athletes
Collectively, these measures would shift the focus from reactive treatment to preventative support.
Why Young Camogie Players are at a Higher Risk of Developing Lower Iron Levels .
Growth & Development
Adolescent female athletes require more iron for rapid growth, muscle development, and increased blood volume.
Menstrual Blood Loss – once menstruation begins, iron loss increases monthly. Heavier periods and other women’s health issues can impact iron levels even further.
High-Intensity Training: can increase iron loss through sweat and a condition known as foot-strike haemolysis. Foot-strike haemolysis is caused by the repeated impact of feet hitting the ground, particularly when running, which leads to the destruction of red blood cells and the release of haemoglobin into the bloodstream².
Lifestyle: skipped meals, picky-eating, limited red-meat and other iron-rich foods intake, along with overall busy lifestyles, can all impact iron levels.
Advice for Parents of Teenage Girls .
For many girls, iron levels are impacted as soon as menstruation begins. Combine this with the physical demands of sports like camogie, and the risk of declining energy levels and performance increases further.
As a parent, understanding the connection between periods, iron levels, and performance can make a significant difference.
Practical Steps Parents Can Take
1. Encourage Open Conversation
Normalising discussions around periods and menstrual health will help build trust; most teenagers won’t volunteer this information unless asked. Creating a safe environment to openly talk about these topics will encourage your teenager to be honest about how they’re feeling, both physically and mentally.
2. Iron-Rich Nutrition
Make iron-rich foods a regular part of family meals. Consistent intake helps support your child’s daily iron needs and plays an important role in maintaining healthy iron levels over time.
3. Consider Period Tracking
Apps or simple calendar tracking can help identify heavy cycles or
patterns linked to lower iron levels. Active Iron have partnered with the
period tracking app, Clue. When you purchase any pack of Active Iron, you will get a free annual subscription to Clue. For steps on how you can avail of the offer, click *here*
4. Test When Appropriate
If there are signs of persistent fatigue or heavier periods, please consult
your healthcare professional, who may recommend checking ferritin and
haemoglobin levels. If your teen has lower iron levels, your GP may recommend supplementing with Active Iron*.
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How Active Iron can Help .
Active Iron is an iron supplement that is clinically proven to increase iron levels³ and fight menstrual fatigue*. Most iron supplements break down in the stomach, triggering oxidation and gut inflammation – leading to constipation, nausea and other unwanted side effects.
Active Iron is powered by a whey protein formula and delivers iron directly to the DMT-1, the sweet spot for absorption. This reduces oxidation and protects your gut, making it gentle & non-constipating.
Active Iron Advance is Informed Sport certified, meaning that every batch is tested for banned substances, making it safer for athletes to take. The Informed Sport program assures that products have been tested for a wide range of substances prohibited in sport.
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- *Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet & lifestyle. Consult your GP/pharmacist if you have concerns.
- ¹Atlantic Technological University: Active Iron research project 2025. n=44 intercounty camogie players.
- ²Oxfordshire Chiropody & Podiatry (2025) Understanding foot strike haemolysis: causes, symptoms and management. Available at: https://www.oxfordshirechiropody.co.uk/post/understanding-foot-strike-hemolysis-causes-symptoms-and-management (Accessed: 24 February 2026).
- ³Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Iron also contributes to normal cognitive function, the normal function of the immune system and normal oxygen transport in the body.
- ⁴Ledwidge, M. et al. PRECISION Study. Int J Clin Pharm (2023) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01640-7.