A high school cross-country runner asks about iron supplementation before a championship race. What is the most evidence-based recommendation?
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A
Supplement with 100 mg elemental iron for 1 week before the race to acutely improve performance
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B
Assess iron status via serum ferritin and hemoglobin before recommending supplementation
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C
All distance runners should routinely supplement with iron regardless of status
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D
Avoid iron entirely since it can cause GI distress on race day