Effect of interval swimming training on iron storage and Hepcidin level in adolescent boys aged 13-15 years old

Iron has a substantial role in growth of children. Regarding importance of iron metabolism and the role of hepcidin in this process, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a single period of interval swimming exercise on iron storage content and plasma hepcidin level in adolescent boys. In present semi-experimental study, 30 swimmers were selected by targeted sampling, and randomly allocated into two groups (each with 15 members) of swimming interval training (13.70 ± 0.70) and control (13.75 ± 0.88). Training protocol included eight weeks of interval swimming exercise, three sessions (50-60 minutes) per week of swimming interval training with 60-80% heart rate reserved, and rest to training ratio 1:1. Fasting blood sampling was performed in pre-test and post-test. Paired and independent t tests were used for data analysis at significant level of P ≤ 0.05. After eight weeks of training, a significant reduction was found in levels of hemoglobin (P = 0.001), serum iron (P = 0.008) and ferritin (P = 0.012, while hepcidin level (P = 0.040) showed a significant increase respective to control group. Considering our results, eight weeks of interval swimming exercise can reduce iron storages (in physiologic levels) and increase plasma hepcidin in adolescent boys.