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Effect of exercise on plasma ferritin concentrations: implications for the measurement of iron status
Author(s) -
HYYPPÄ S.,
HÖYHTYÄ M.,
NEVALAINEN M.,
PÖSÖ A. R.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05416.x
Subject(s) - ferritin , horse , treadmill , iron status , aerobic exercise , iron deficiency , medicine , basal (medicine) , serum ferritin , physiology , endocrinology , zoology , physical therapy , biology , anemia , paleontology , insulin
Summary Iron is of key importance for aerobic metabolism, and natural feeds of the horse are fairly rich sources of iron. Accordingly, the known incidence of iron deficiency anaemia is apparently rare in performance horses; despite this, iron deficiency in performance horses continues to be of concern to trainers and veterinarians. Effects of exercise on plasma ferritin concentrations were therefore studied in Standardbreds, Finnhorses and half‐bred riding horses. Blood samples were taken after a moderate exercise test on a racetrack, a competition exercise test on a treadmill and a race. Even moderate exercise caused an increase in plasma ferritin concentration, with the increase being greater as the intensity and duration of exercise increased. Return to the basal level was slower after maximal‐intensity exercise than after moderate exercise. In conclusion, although ferritin is a useful marker of low iron stores, samples should be taken only after at least 2 days rest following strenuous exercise.