Iron supplementation improves endurance after training in iron-depleted, nonanemic women

Abstract

Our objective was to investigate the effects of iron depletion on adaptation to aerobic exercise, assessed by time to complete a 15-km cycle ergometer test. Forty-two iron-depleted (serum ferritin <16 microg/l), nonanemic (Hb >12 g/dl) women (18-33 yr old) received 100 mg of ferrous sulfate (S) or placebo (P) per day for 6 wk in a randomized, double-blind trial. Subjects trained for 30 min/day, 5 days/wk at 75-85% of maximum heart rate for the final 4 wk of the study. There were no group differences in baseline iron status or in 15-km time. Iron supplementation increased serum ferritin and decreased transferrin receptors in the S compared with the P group. The S and P groups decreased 15-km time and respiratory exchange ratio and increased work rate during the 15-km time trial after training. The decrease in 15-km time was greater in the S than in the P group (P = 0.04) and could be partially attributed to increases in serum ferritin and Hb. These results indicate that iron deficiency without anemia impairs favorable adaptation to aerobic exercise.

Intravenous Iron Therapy in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Iron Deficiency

“…4,[18][19][20][21] In the present study, increased Hb or higher maximal V : O 2 did not explain the improved exercise endurance. Although Hb levels were slightly higher after iron therapy (nonsignificant), there was no significant correlation with exercise endurance time (data not shown), which corresponds with previous findings in iPAH patients where the absence or presence of anemia did not influence 6MWD.…”

Effect of iron supplementation on fatigue in nonanemic menstruating women with low ferritin: a randomized controlled trial

“…17 However, the effect size for quality of life appears to be smaller than for fatigue alone; thus, our study was underpowered to reveal a significant effect. Positive effects on physical and psychological performances can be explained by the known effects of iron, which include improving aerobic adaptation, endurance capacity, 15,18,19 muscle fatigability, 20,21 restless leg syndrome, 22 memory, verbal learning and cognitive function. [23][24][25] The effects of iron deficiency on fatigue can be explained by decreased activity of irondependent enzymes; for example, those affecting the metabolism of neurotransmitters that enhance neurophysiologic changes.…”

Development of Chappati, a Low Costtraditional Indian Food, Using Common Ingredients in Different Composition -a Comparative Study.

“…Another study reported that, onfortified spreads peanut can be used as supplementary foods instead; these are energy-dense, lipid-based pastes with added powdered micronutrients [5].…”