Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 There are different causes for anemia 50 percent of which attributed to iron deficiency. There is considerable evidence, though somehow contradictory, related to the negative effect of iron deficiency on endurance performance. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of iron supplement intake on aerobic power.

 Materials and Methods

  In a semi-experimental test, 37 girl students within the age range of 14-17 years randomly selected were divided into three groups of pre-latency, latency with two different iron deficiency levels, and control difference in iron deficiency level was the main factor for the division of the first two groups. Subjects underwent Bruce maximal aerobic power test before iron supplement intake then, pre-latency and latency groups received two 50 mg ferrous sulfate tablets as iron supplement on a daily basis. After 45 days, the above tests were conducted again.

 Results

  The mean aerobic power increased from 31.59 ± 6.45 to 36.28 ± 5.49 in the control group, from 22.75 ± 7.76 to 32.82 ± 4.58 in the pre-latency group, and from 24.16 ± 7.67 to 34.23 ± 4.57 in the latency group. The mean serum iron decreased from 119.50 ± 25.89 to 97.83 ± 30.10 in the control group while it increased from 84.25 ± 15.75 to 110.41 ± 51.10 in the pre-latency group and from 40.92 ± 16.83 to 93.38 ± 49.80 in the latency group (p≤ 0.05). There was shown to be a significant difference between the latency group and the control for the mean differences before and after the supplement intervention.

 Conclusions

  It is shown that those with iron deficiency can reach the normal serum iron level after supplement intake but no significant difference seen on their aerobic power compared to the control group.