Effects of aerobic training along with iron supplementation on the hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, serum ferritin, transferrin and iron in young girls

  Introduction: Iron deficiency can be followed with major problems in relation to reduced aerobic capacity and power for athletes. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of six weeks aerobic training on young girls’ hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, iron, serum ferritin and transferrin.   Materials and Methods : 34 female students were selected with an average age of 16.56 years, weight 50.42 kg and height 160.55 cm from 100 volunteers randomly and assigned into three groups: exercise + iron supplementation (group 1), exercise+ placebo (group 2) and control. Before exercise, subject's blood samples were obtained. Experimental groups were trained for three sessions per week for six weeks. The experimental groups 1 and 2 received a tablet containing 27 mg ferrous gluconate and placebo respectively, the night before of each exercise session. After training period, the second stage of blood sampling was performed.   Results: Iron supplementation with aerobic exercise increased the amount of iron, serum ferritin and transferring. No significant effects were found on hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells. Placebo intake along with aerobic exercise reduced serum iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells significantly. Significant differences between three groups' serum iron and ferritin were also observed. Conclusion : The results showed if aerobic exercise performed with iron supplements by young girls, in addition to increasing the amount of iron, it increases iron storage in the form of ferritin and transferrin and possibly their risk of anemia is prevented