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Int J Sports Med 2002; 23(8): 544-548
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35528
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Iron Status in Cyclists During High-Intensity Interval Training and Recovery

J.  G.  Wilkinson1 , D.  T.  Martin3 , A.  A.  Adams1 , M.  Liebman2
  • 1Human Energy Research Laboratory, Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
  • 2Human Nutrition, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
  • 3Dept. of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, Australia.
Further Information

Publication History



Accepted after revision: April 28, 2002

Publication Date:
19 November 2002 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6 week high-intensity interval training (HIT) program, followed by 2 weeks recovery, on iron status in cyclists. Eleven male collegiate cyclists (21.8 ± 0.8 yr, 71.4 ± 2.2 kg, and 8.6 ± 0.9 % body fat) participated in a 6 week cycle training program that consisted of 5 days of high intensity interval and endurance training per week. Hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were analyzed from venous blood samples taken at baseline (B), and each week following interval training (T1-T6) and recovery (R1-R2). Dietary intakes including iron were monitored weekly. The dependent variables were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). RBC count, Hb and Hct were significantly decreased compared to baseline at T3. Serum iron did not change significantly. Serum ferritin decreased significantly from 55.9 ± 9.7 at B to 42.2 ± 8.0 ng × ml-1 at T5 and remained depressed at T6, R1 and R2. TIBC was significantly increased above baseline at T3, T4, T6, R1 and R2. These results suggest that 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training can reduce iron stores. It is possible that this reduction in iron stores over time could adversely affect aerobic cycling performance.

Key words

Serum ferritin - hemoglobin - total iron binding capacity - exercise

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J. G. Wilkinson, PhD

Division of Kinesiology and Health · University of Wyoming

Laramie · WY · 82071 USA

Email: jwilks@uwyo.edu

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