Characteristics of blood gas in response to iron treatment and exercise in iron-deficient and anemic subjects.

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Abstract
The effects of Fe deficiency anemia and Fe treatment on blood gas and acid-base balance at rest and during exercise were studied. Eight Sri Lankan males and 13 females were randomly divided into an Fe treatment or placebo group. Their initial Hb levels were 6.2 .+-. 0.5 and 5.5 .+-. 0.7 g/100 ml (mean .+-. SEM [standard error of the mean]) with serum Fe levels of 41 .+-. 8 and 30 .+-. 6 .mu.g/100 ml, respectively. Hb concentration was increased significantly within 7 days after Fe treatment to 7.2 .+-. 0.4 g/100 ml. Resting lactate was higher than normal, while base excess, buffer base and actual bicarbonate were lower, maintaining a normal pH. Heart rates during exercise at a given work load and lactate production following exercise decreased after the elevation of Hb. Venous blood PCO2 [partial pressure of CO2] rose as Hb concentration increased, preceeding a significant increase in resting O2 content, 16 days after Fe treatment. With anemia, O2 delivery is potentially maintained by a shift of the O2-dissociation curve to the right due, in part, to 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. There was no significant change in PO2 or Hb-O2% saturation following exercise or Fe treatment. Severe Fe deficiency anemia results in lactate accumulation in blood even at rest but pH is maintained within normal limits. Severe anemia may impair CO2 transport capacity of blood which could limit continuation of muscle metabolism.