Effects of natural iron supplement intake on EPO, Hp, and iron metabolism during rapid weight loss in university wrestlers

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in erythropoiesis and iron metabolism indicators in order to improve the maintenance of athletic performance during rapid weight loss. Methods: The subjects were 23 university wrestlers (13 male, 10 female). The first measurements in the male and female groups after natural iron supplement intake indicated weight decreases of 6.2% and 5.8%, respectively. After the 3-week washout period, the weights in the male and female groups decreased by 6.1% and 6.2%, respectively. Results: Males in the intake group experienced changes in iron metabolism after weight loss, as shown by increases in the iron indicators (Fe, p $<$ 0.041; transferrin, p $<$ 0.004; total iron binding Capacity (TIBC), p $<$ 0.031), whereas the female group showed no significant changes. Both groups experienced decreases in erythropoietin (males, p $<$ 0.021; females, p $<$ 0.027) and VO2${}_2$max (p $<$0.001) after weight loss. Blood lactate in the intake group decreased after maximal exercise immediately after the test for the male group (p $<$0.031) and during resting time and immediately after exercise in the female group (p $<$ 0.001 and p $<$ 0.050, respectively). Conclisions: These findings suggest that a 7% loss in weight does not positively affect athletic ability. Further research on methods for iron supplement intake, weight loss, and training is necessary to confirm our conclusions.

rapid weight loss; athlete nutrition; exercise performance; iron supplements

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