강형숙1,박훈기2, 윤진환3, 김종오3, 김복주4, 박성태5

동아대학교1, 한양대학교2, 한남대학교3, 한국체육대학교4, 서울대학교5

Background This study was done to investigate the changes in blood hematological concentration and exercise performance capacity from iron and/or protein supplementation for 8 weeks in male elite long distance (marathon) runners. Methods Twenty-one male elite long distance runners participated in this study. All subjects were divided into one of three groups- IS (iron supplement group, n=7), PS (protein supplement group, n=7), or IPS (iron and protein supplement, n=7) to investigate the interactions between groups and time periods. Repeated measurement ANOVA & post hoc (p<.05) were conducted for data analysis using SPSS 14.0 program. Results The mean Hb, RBC, Hct concentration, and VO2max were significantly increased after supplementation for 8 weeks in the iron supplement and iron+protein supplement groups. Hence, this impact had a positive effect on exercise performance capacity during training. Conclusions Further research into the analysis of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with running and anemia from the lack of iron associated with shocks to the feet are required. Answers to these questions would be helpful to long distance runners. Key words marathon, hemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, red blood cell, VO2max