Hematological Factors and Iron Status in Aerobic Versus Anaerobic Training in Athletic Females

Hematological Factors and Iron Status in Aerobic Versus Anaerobic Training in Athletic Females: An Observational Study

This study aimed to evaluate the hematological factors and iron status in aerobic versus anaerobic training in athletic females.

In both the short and long term, physical training causes iron status deterioration in sporty females. Nonetheless, little is known about the effect of different forms of exercise (aerobic versus anaerobic) on haematological variables and iron status in sporty females during adolescence. As a result, the purpose of this study was to compare the haematological variables and iron status in aerobic versus anaerobic exercise in adolescent female athletes. Another goal was to compare aerobic and anaerobic groups in terms of iron status classifications, such as normal iron status, iron deficiency with or without anaemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, virginal, nonsmoker, female athletes.
• Age from 16 to 19 years.
• Body mass index < 25 kg/m2.
• Having the same socio-economic level.
• Following a normal balanced nutrition.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Using any medical or hormonal therapy that might influence the iron status.
• Vegetarian athletes.
• Having menorrhagia or amenorrhea.
• Chronic inflammatory condition or existing infection.
• Diabetic, hypertensive or cardiac athletes.
• Haematological disease (with the exception of iron deficiency with or without anaemia).
• Having transfusion of blood.