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Effects of Short-Term Exercise on Iron Status and Haematological Parameters of Apparently Healthy Males in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

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Abstract

Background

Iron is needed for many biological processes but can be extremely harmful when intake is excessive. Exercise brings about iron deficiency as iron in the body is being utilised during the process.

Objectives

This study was aimed to determine the effect of short-term exercise on iron status and haematological parameters in male subjects.

Methods

A total of 47 apparently healthy male subjects aged 17–26 years were investigated. Pre and post-exercise blood samples were collected. Full blood count was carried out using standard laboratory procedures, while serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were estimated spectrophotometrically.

Results

The obtained results showed non-significant changes of serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) post-exercise when compared to pre-exercise (P > 0.05). There was a non-significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the post-exercise levels of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean platelet volume (MPV) and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) compared with pre-exercise. An non-significant increase (P > 0.05) was observed in the post-exercise levels of haematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), platelet (PLT), serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) compared with pre-exercise. The haematological parameters also showed some variations, but none of these findings were clinically significant.

Conclusion

Active erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis are associated with exercise and there is a depletion of iron store levels immediately after exercise. We, therefore, recommend that iron supplements and an adequate diet be taken by athletes immediately after exercise to ensure a long and healthy life.

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Data Availability

The data used for the study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

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Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

    A. O. Oluboyo, B. N. Oshobugie, M. E. Adeosun & B. O. Oluboyo

Authors
  1. A. O. Oluboyo
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  2. B. N. Oshobugie
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  3. M. E. Adeosun
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  4. B. O. Oluboyo
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Contributions

AOO: conceived the idea for the manuscript, AOO, and BNO: designed the study. AOO and BNO: wrote the main text of the manuscript. BNO and MEA: analysed the samples while Oluboyo B.O prepared the tables. AOO, BNO, MEA, BOO: revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. N. Oshobugie.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interest to disclose.

Ethical Approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of Helsinki Declaration. Approval was granted by the Ethics committee of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria with reference number: AB/EC/20/10/198.

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Oluboyo, A.O., Oshobugie, B.N., Adeosun, M.E. et al. Effects of Short-Term Exercise on Iron Status and Haematological Parameters of Apparently Healthy Males in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. J. of SCI. IN SPORT AND EXERCISE (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-023-00265-6

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