Work capacity after iron treatment as a function of hemoglobin and iron deficiency.

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Abstract
The relative importance of Hb and non-Hb Fe for physical work capacity was studied in 45 adult male and female [human] subjects, with a range of Hb and serum Fe levels. Maximal work capacity, heart rate, venous blood lactate and serum protein were measured before and after 1 wk of treatment with Imferon, i.v. Even though some non-Hb related effects on parameters indicative of maximal work capacity were found, the main factor was Hb related. Subjects with low Hb-high serum Fe worked longer than ones with low Hb-low Fe. When the work performed was similar, the marginal Hb-low Fe group had a higher blood lactate concentration than the high Hb-high Fe and marginal Hb-high Fe groups. The coefficient of correlation between serum Fe and post-exercise lactate levels was -0.41 (P < 0.05). Even though neither of these groups showed a Hb response within 1 wk of Fe treatment, the initial low serum Fe groups had significantly lower heart rates at a given work load relative to subjects with high Fe but with a similar Hb level. This occurred both at rest and during light to heavy exercise. Apparently, a rather rapid benefit of Fe treatment is gained in Fe-deficient subjects with severe and moderate anemia which cannot be accounted for by Hb changes. Although the primary factor which affects the physical work capacity of Fe-deficient anemic subjects seems to be the Hb level, there also seems to be a significant non-Hb related effect of Fe treatment as well.