Adequate stores of iron are necessary for optimal athletic performance and severe iron depletion resulting in iron-deficiency anemia may depress performance. This is important for athletes, particularly females, to address because they can be prone to iron deficiency anemia. This review examines research data that has shown oral iron supplementation in doses of at least 45 mg ferrous sulfate or 106 mg ferrous fumarate improves iron status and may improve measures of athletic performance. It is recommended that female athletes most at risk of iron deficiency be screened at the beginning of and during training seasons using ferritin measures. Appropriate dietary and/or supplementation recommendations should be made to those with compromised iron status.