Author/Authors :
Pouramir, M Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Haghshenas, O Department of Pediatrics, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol , Sorkhi, H Department of Pediatrics, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol
Abstract :
Although, iron depletion is a common disorder among athletes,
little data exist regarding the effect of gymnastic training
on iron status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
effect of gymnastic exercise on body iron status and hematologic
profile. The present investigation involved 35 male
gymnasts aged from 6 to14 yrs. Serum ferritin level, total iron
binding capacity (TIBC), iron and transferrin saturation, along
with hematological indices (RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH,
MCHC) were analyzed in venous blood samples before starting
the exercise course and 10 weeks later. The second readings
of serum ferritin level, RBC, Hct, and Hb were decreased
significantly (p<0.05) as compared to the baseline values,
whereas TIBC increased significantly (p<0.02). We concluded
that gymnastic training is associated with a reduction in the
body iron stores, leading to early stages of iron depletion
which might compromise the health and performance of athletes.
