Food Iron Supplementation and its Impact on Biochemical and Physical Fitness Component of Selected Sports Persons

Nutrition has an important effect on the endurance capacity and performance of sports persons. Nutritional supplements have been widely used all over the world by sports persons as it is difficult to obtain a sufficient level of nutrients from a normal diet. The objective of the study was to contribute to the scientific basis for the value of iron in sports performance. The subjects were selected by purposive random sampling technique. An interview schedule was formulated to collect base line information. Rice mix was enriched with iron and supplemented to the sports persons for a period of 90 days. The mean blood hemoglobin, mean serum iron and the transfer in saturation significantly (p<0.05) increased on supplementation. There was a significant (p<0.05) improvement in 12 minute run test after supplementation. The study concludes supplementation of iron rich foods definitely improved the biochemical and physical fitness components of the sports persons. This in turn helps to improve their endurance and performance.