My ferritin was 11 when I got it checked a couple of years ago, and I've read the same literature about endurance athletes should shoot for 50. Everything else for me was in the normal range. I noticed a dramatic difference within 2 weeks of starting a supplement.
My all-knowing internet mom group (from my babywearing days....so we've all been "together" for 15-20 years at this point) recommends "blood builder" or "floradix" both of which can be found on
amazon. I take a slow-release supplement (slow Fe) so that I don't get any GI issues that iron can bring on. Our XC team coaches are somewhat obsessive about the runners, especially the girls, getting their iron tested because it can make a difference of minutes in a 5k depending on how low they get. Of course, teenagers tend to be poor eaters when it comes to micronutrients, but low is low and should be addressed.
