Analyse how iron deficiency anemia impacts both submaximal and maximal exercise performance, and explain two strategies that could be implemented to minimise these effects. (8 marks)
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Overview Statement
- Iron deficiency anaemia significantly impairs exercise performance by reducing oxygen transport capacity.
- Key components include haemoglobin levels, oxygen delivery, and exercise intensity.
- The implications differ between submaximal and maximal exercise.
Submaximal Exercise Impact
- Iron deficiency reduces haemoglobin production, which decreases oxygen-carrying capacity.
- The cardiovascular system compensates by increasing heart rate at lower exercise intensities.
- Athletes experience higher heart rates for the same workload compared to healthy individuals.
- Such compensation reveals how reduced oxygen transport forces the body to work harder.
Maximal Exercise Impact
- Peak performance depends on maximum oxygen uptake, which directly relates to haemoglobin levels.
- Lower haemoglobin results in reduced VO₂ max and earlier onset of fatigue.
- The aerobic system cannot compensate, forcing reliance on anaerobic metabolism.
- These limitations demonstrate that oxygen transport is the limiting factor in maximal performance.
Strategy 1: Iron Supplementation
- Daily iron supplements address the root cause by rebuilding haemoglobin stores.
- Combining iron with vitamin C enhances absorption and recovery speed.
- This interaction optimises the restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity.
Strategy 2: Training Modification
- Reducing exercise intensity prevents excessive cardiovascular strain during recovery.
- Gradual progression allows haemoglobin levels to restore while maintaining fitness.
- Together, these nutrients optimise the restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity.
Show Worked Solution
Overview Statement
- Iron deficiency anaemia significantly impairs exercise performance by reducing oxygen transport capacity.
- Key components include haemoglobin levels, oxygen delivery, and exercise intensity.
- The implications differ between submaximal and maximal exercise.
Submaximal Exercise Impact
- Iron deficiency reduces haemoglobin production, which decreases oxygen-carrying capacity.
- The cardiovascular system compensates by increasing heart rate at lower exercise intensities.
- Athletes experience higher heart rates for the same workload compared to healthy individuals.
- Such compensation reveals how reduced oxygen transport forces the body to work harder.
Maximal Exercise Impact
- Peak performance depends on maximum oxygen uptake, which directly relates to haemoglobin levels.
- Lower haemoglobin results in reduced VO₂ max and earlier onset of fatigue.
- The aerobic system cannot compensate, forcing reliance on anaerobic metabolism.
- These limitations demonstrate that oxygen transport is the limiting factor in maximal performance.
Strategy 1: Iron Supplementation
- Daily iron supplements address the root cause by rebuilding haemoglobin stores.
- Combining iron with vitamin C enhances absorption and recovery speed.
- This interaction optimises the restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity.
Strategy 2: Training Modification
- Reducing exercise intensity prevents excessive cardiovascular strain during recovery.
- Gradual progression allows haemoglobin levels to restore while maintaining fitness.
- Together, these nutrients optimise the restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity.