Which nutrient do female athletes conserve stores of to prevent amenorrhea?

Female athletes often experience amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation, due to low energy availability, high physical demands, or imbalances in nutrient intake. Iron is particularly significant in this context because it is crucial for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to the muscles and other tissues.

During intense training, female athletes may have increased iron requirements due to factors like blood loss from menstrual cycles and the iron loss that occurs through sweat and urine. When athletes have insufficient iron levels, it can lead to decreased performance, fatigue, and ultimately, amenorrhea.

By conserving and ensuring adequate iron stores, female athletes can help maintain their menstrual cycle and overall health, as sufficient levels of iron support not only reproductive function but also energy levels and athletic performance. The other nutrients listed, while important, do not have the same direct correlation to the prevention of amenorrhea as iron does.