Effects of zinc supplementation on hematological parameters of high performance athletes

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of eight weeks zinc supplementation on the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and other hematological parameters in male kick boxers. Twenty-four subjects were included in the study. They were equally divided into three groups as follows: Group EZ, training and receiving 2.5 mg/kg zinc supplement per day; Group SZ, receiving the zinc supplement but no training and Group E, who exercised but received no supplement. Erythrocyte, platelet and leukocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were determined in blood samples taken from each participant at rest and exhaustion. The erythrocyte count of Group EZ was significantly higher than in the E and SZ groups, p < 0.001. The number of leukocytes was higher in the two groups that trained. The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were increased in the EZ group (p < 0.05).The platelet number increased with exhaustion in the E and EZ groups (p < 0.001). The MCV values were lower in group EZ as compared to the other two groups. The E and EZ subjects had higher neutrophil counts (p < 0.05).These results suggest that the combined effects of exercise and zinc supplementation have a positive effect in the hematological parameters of athletes, which may result in better performance and increased endurance.

The beneficial effect of dietary zinc supplementation on anaemia and immunosuppression in Trypanosoma brucei infected rats

“…This result is consistent with the works of Silva et al (2006) and Polat (2011). This could be attributed to the beneficial effect of zinc as an antioxidant and immunostimulant.…”

Untitled

“…Similarly, Cordova et al [13] and Baltaci et al [27] also reported that using zinc supplement cannot affect the number of leukocytes after physical activities. In contrast to our results, Kilic et al [28] and Polat [29] found that physical activity can increase the number of leukocytes.…”

“…[26] Baltaci et al reported increase of the number of erythrocytes in rats swimming in the pool while zinc deficiency led to the reduction of these erythrocytes. [27] On the other hand, Kilic et al [28] and Polat [29] demonstrated that zinc supplementation and doing physical activities caused to a significant surge of the number of RBC, Hb, and HCT as compared to the others who only performed exercise and consumed no zinc supplement.…”

“…The zinc deficiency in athletes or individuals regularly doing physical activities not only negatively affects their performance, but it can also impair their immune system. [35][36][37] Kilic et al [28] and Polat [29] concluded that consumption of zinc supplements cannot significantly change the number of PLTs. However, Baltaci et al [27] demonstrated that the PLTs number in rats who consumed zinc supplements and performed physical activity was significantly lower than the other groups.…”

Pengaruh suplementasi zink terhadap parameter hematologi atlet sepatu roda setelah latihan endurance

“…Suplementasi zink 22 mg/hari terhadap atlet sepakbola laki-laki pada studi sebelumnya (12) memberikan hasil adanya peningkatan kadar plasma zink dan Fe eritrosit, penurunan kadar zink urin, serta penurunan fragilitas eritrosit, dan tidak memberikan efek samping penurunan kadar plasma Fe dan Cu. Selain itu, suplementasi zink sebanyak 2,5 mg/kgBB/hari pada atlet tinju laki-laki menghasilkan adanya perbaikan jumlah eritrosit, leukosit, hemoglobin, dan hematokrit dibandingkan dengan kelompok tanpa suplementasi (13).…”