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Effects of a multivitamin and iron supplement on running performance in Gambian children
Insights
This study found that multivitamin and iron supplements improved nutrient status in children. Supplemented children showed better running performance, especially those with initial nutrient deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Subclinical vitamin deficiencies are prevalent in children.
- Nutrient status can impact physical performance.
- Iron and B vitamin deficiencies are common concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of multivitamin and iron supplementation on nutrient status and exercise performance in children.
- To determine if supplementation can mitigate performance decline associated with nutrient deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 children aged 11-14.5 years.
- Participants received either a multivitamin/iron supplement or placebo twice weekly.
- Exercise performance was assessed via treadmill tests, measuring expired air and heart rate.
Main Results:
- Supplementation significantly improved riboflavin and vitamin C status.
- It also prevented the decline in iron stores observed in the placebo group.
- Children receiving supplements showed improved running performance and reduced energy cost during exercise, particularly those with initial deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Multivitamin and iron supplementation can enhance nutrient status in children.
- Supplementation positively impacts exercise performance and may prevent deterioration in children with subclinical deficiencies.
- Targeted supplementation can be beneficial for pediatric physical activity and overall health.
Abstract:
Forty boys and girls between 11 and 14.5 years with evidence of subclinical vitamin deficiencies were allocated to two groups to receive, twice weekly, either a placebo or a multivitamin and iron supplement. Prior to supplementation and on two subsequent occasions about 5 weeks apart, the children performed an exercise regimen on a treadmill during which expired air was collected and heart rate monitored. The supplement resulted in marked improvements in riboflavin and vitamin C status and checked the decline in iron stores seen in the unsupplemented children. During the study the running performance of unsupplemented children deteriorated, and markedly so in a subgroup with initially poor nutrient status. The vitamin and iron supplement prevented this deterioration so as to produce a significant reduction in the energy cost of treadmill running in the more malnourished subgroup, relative to the changes seen in children receiving no supplement.