Unveiling the Link Between Hemoglobin Mass and Endurance Performance

A study published in the PLoS One journal found a positive association between hemoglobin levels and VO2 max, a proxy for fitness. Athletes with higher VO2 max values generally had more hemoglobin and higher concentrations of red blood cells. While changes in hemoglobin and VO2 max are less direct in real-world training, optimizing hemoglobin levels through healthy training and supplementation can potentially improve endurance performance. Strategies to optimize hemoglobin mass include dialing in iron levels, considering altitude training, practicing year-round heat training, managing stress levels, and ensuring adequate fueling through proper nutrition.