Running performance in Gambian children: effects of water-soluble vitamins or iron

Abstract

Sixty-nine boys and girls between 10 and 14 years, with evidence of subclinical vitamin deficiencies and poor iron status were enrolled into the study at the beginning of the rainy season. Children were allocated to three treatment groups to receive five times weekly either a placebo, 200 mg ferrous sulphate or 5 mg riboflavin and 150 mg ascorbic acid. Before receiving the supplement, and 9 weeks later, children performed an exercise regimen on a treadmill during which expired air was collected and heart rate measured. There was a general deterioration in the running performance of the children during the study period which was not affected by either the iron or the vitamin supplement.