Elevation of hemoglobin and work tolerance in iron-deficient subjects.

Abstract

SummarySelected parameters related to work tolerance were mea sured in 31 adult subjects with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration from 2.5 to 14.0g/100ml. Work tolerance was closely related to Hb concentration (r=0.74) regardless of the adequacy of storage iron level. One male and six females with a mean Hb of 3.5g/100ml (27-55 years old) were studied before and 24hr after transfusing 570ml of whole blood. The mean maximal work load tolerated increased 83% within 24hr after transfusion in these seven subjects. Post-exercise venous blood lactate was markedly lower after transfusion. Work tolerance of these subjects within 24hr after transfusion was the same as in other subjects who had had the equivalent Hb level as the post-transfusion subjects presumably for at least several weeks. These data suggest that the decrement in work performance capacity in iron-deficient and anemic subjects is, in large part, a reflection of the level of anemia rather than other non-Hb related biochemical changes that could accompany prolonged iron deficiency anemia.

Improvement in Iron Deficiency Anemia through Therapy with Ferric Ammonium Citrate and Vitamin C and the Effects of Aerobic Exercise.

“…Physical work capacity in iron deficiency anemia might be elevated due to muscle training as well as skill in using the ergometer. The present results, which show no relationship between Hb concentrations and VO2 max, are inconsistent with previous observations by Edgerton et al (28) in which a close correlation was demonstrated. The Hb concentrations of their subjects were extremely low, between 2.5-8 g/100 ml, while they were 10-12g/100ml in the present experiment.…”

Effects of Iron Supplementation on Auditory Brainstem Response in Marginally LBW Infants

“…A linear relationship has been reported between iron deficiency and work capacity for agricultural workers in Colombia (39), Guatemala (40), Indonesia (41), Kenya (42,43), and Sri Lanka (44)(45)(46). Work capacity returned rapidly to normal with iron supplementation.…”

“…Work capacity returned rapidly to normal with iron supplementation. Similarly, iron supplementation increased work output among road workers and rubber tappers in Indonesia (24); tea pickers in Indonesia (26,41) and Sri Lanka (44)(45)(46); agricultural workers in India (47), Guatemala (40), and Colombia (39); and industrial workers in Kenya (48), China (49), and other countries. Gains in productivity and take-home pay ranged from 10% to 30% of previous levels.…”

Characteristics of blood gas in response to iron treatment and exercise in iron-deficient and anemic subjects.

“…The It has been shown that the greater the severity of anemia in humans and rats, the greater the decrement in work capacity (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Decreased O2 carrying capacity of blood (7) and decreased O2 utilizing capacity of tissues (1, 3, 9-11, 26, 27) decreased maximal capacity of O2 consumption (7).…”