An endurance athlete might experience fatigue and performance decline due to anemia, which could be caused by inadequate iron intake or decreased erythropoiesis affecting red blood cell production and oxygen transportation.
An endurance athlete who experiences frequent bouts of fatigue and a decline in performance may need to examine several health aspects. A lack of iron intake in their diet can lead to iron deficiency, which might result in anemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise capacity. Additionally, a decline in performance could be due to decreased erythropoiesis, the process where the body produces red blood cells.
If erythropoiesis rate drops, fewer red blood cells are available to transport oxygen throughout the body, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles, resulting in compromised athletic performance.