Iron Supplementation and Eccentric Exercise

Iron supplementation is very common in athletes, probably due to its catalytic role on the oxygen transport and optimal function of oxidative enzymes and proteins during exercise. Iron is also characterized as a potent pro-oxidant, as it can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that are involved in critical biological processes, such as gene expression, signal transduction and enzyme activity. In exercise, low levels of RONS are essential for optimal force production, whereas excessive production of RONS can cause contractile dysfunction, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue. On the other hand, RONS are involved in signaling pathways and up-regulation of the expression of several genes, and therefore, RONS can provoke favorable effects such as training adaptations. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of iron supplementation on redox status, muscle damage and muscle performance after an acute bout of a valid muscle damaging eccentric exercise model in adults and children.