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Iron supplementation improves lactate response and energetic (work) efficiency after training in non‐anemic female rowers
Author(s) -
DellaValle Diane M.,
Haas Jere D.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.238.3
Subject(s) - placebo , medicine , ferritin , anemia , iron supplementation , iron supplement , endurance training , time trial , rowing , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , zoology , iron deficiency , biology , heart rate , blood pressure , history , archaeology , alternative medicine , pathology
We conducted this trial to study the effects of deficiency without anemia (IDNA) on endurance performance in female collegiate rowers. At the beginning of a training season, 43 non‐anemic rowers were randomized to receive 100 mg/d FeSO 4 (N=22) or placebo (N=21) for 6 weeks using a double‐blind design. Iron status, body composition, and physical performance (4K Time trial‐TT) were assessed at baseline and after training. Thirty‐one rowers (N=15 iron, 16 placebo) completed the trial. After controlling for baseline iron status and supplement dose consumed, multiple regression analyses revealed improvements in log serum ferritin in the iron group compared to placebo (P=0.04), and the more depleted at baseline, the greater benefit from supplementation (P=0.05). After 6 weeks of training, while rowers in both groups increased their fat‐free mass and improved their endurance performance (VO2peak, energetic efficiency, lactate response), lactate response (as % of maximum lactate) during the early phase of the TT was significantly lower in the iron group compared to the placebo (P=0.05). Rowers in the iron group who consumed more of the supplement had a greater improvement in energetic efficiency compared to placebo. We conclude that iron supplementation improved female rowers' energetic efficiency and lactate response during a 4K TT after 6 weeks of training. Supported by the ADAF and Division of Nutritional Sciences.