Page 15 - PR 2014 2016 07 Nuclear Science and Technology

Nuclear Science and Technology | Progress Report 157

Blood elements concentration in with physical activities (control group), which
cyclists investigated by instrumental showed considerable differences: a decrease
neutron activation analysis mainly in Br (91 %) and Ca (78 %) and an in-
crease in Fe (26 %), S (82 %) and Zn (22 %) levels
Cycling is one of the most efficient forms of were evidenced. These results emphasize the
human locomotion requiring low energy per importance of blood monitoring for the main-
unit mass per distance traveled. It is considered tenance of endurance athletes performance.
an aerobic activity that helps metabolic func-
tions of the whole body, leading to health ben- Determination of Iron in blood
efits. Cycling has been recognized as a means using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence
of promoting public health and some large Spectrometer: an alternative
population studies have shown the effects of for Sports Medicine
commuting by bicycle on reducing mortali-
ty and cardiovascular risk and lower rates of High aerobic activity and poor dietary habits
obesity (in regions with high rates of cycling). may results in depletion of body iron stores,
Good athlete’s performance is characterized by which could decrease aerobic performance
a combination of factors among which stand and increase the risks of fatigue and immune
out physical training and proper nutritional disorders. Athletes, particularly those involved
intake. Although physical activities provide in endurance sports, are commonly diagnosed
health benefits, cyclists impose considerable with iron deficiency, which leads to higher
demands on their body during both training risks of fatigue, overtraining syndrome and
and competition period, which can result in vulnerability to infection. On the other hand,
muscle injury depending on the intensity and excess of iron is toxic: it can deposit in the form
duration used in the efforts. Similarly, a bal- of aggregates in tissues such as liver, heart,
anced nutrition should provide nutrients to pancreas and joints leading to irreversible
support growth, development and mainte- organ dysfunction. Adequate iron intake rec-
nance of several metabolic and physiological ommended for adults are 8 mg/d for men and
processes. A balanced nutrition reduces fatigue, 18 mg/d for women and the tolerable upper
increases the willingness and prevents the intake levels for adults are 45 mg/d. As a result,
occurrence of injuries and infections, improv- the use of supplements by athletes must be
ing performance and recovery post-exercise. strictly controlled. An alternate methodology
Several clinical analysis, mainly in serum and based on a portable X-ray fluorescence spec-
urine, are performed regularly in athletes to trometry (PXRFS) for determination of Fe in
check their physical condition, such as, se- blood was applied. The iron concentrations
rum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, thy- was determined in whole blood of amateur
roid hormones and insulin levels as well as athletes (runners) using this portable XRF
plasma ions. The purpose of this study was to spectrometer and compared with a control
perform an investigation in blood of cyclists in group (male donors at the same age, but not
constant training for the last 6 years. In this involved with physical activities). It was ob-
study, Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, K, Mg, Na, S and Zn levels served that Fe status in runners’ blood was kept
in blood samples of cyclists were investigated near upper limit and in some cases above the
using neutron activation analysis technique. normal range, suggesting a slight tendency
The results were compared to individuals of of iron overload. This increase may cause risk
the same age and gender, but not involved of infection, decreasing the athlete perfor-