Effect of baseline ferritin levels on post-exercise iron metabolism in male elite youth rowers.

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in athletic performance, and iron storage levels may influence its regulation in athletes. However, the potential mechanisms through which iron stores modify metabolic responses to intense exercise remain unclear. This study examined 16 trained male rowers from the Polish Youth National Team during the preparatory phase of training. Athletes were divided based on baseline serum ferritin (SF) levels: SF < 75 µg/L and SF > 75 µg/L. Participants performed a 2000-m exercise test on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were collected before the test, after exercise, and after 1 h of restitution. The SF < 75 µg/L group showed a temporary post-exercise increase in serum iron, followed by a sharp decline after 1 h, while ferritin levels remained stable. In contrast, the SF > 75 µg/L group exhibited only a decrease in serum iron after 1 h, with a ferritin increase. No significant changes were observed in hepcidin and interleukin-6 levels. Differing post-exercise responses in iron and ferritin levels between groups suggest that baseline iron stores may influence the regulation of free iron. This could indicate the involvement of distinct iron chelation mechanisms depending on initial ferritin levels. Understanding these mechanisms could affect optimizing iron management strategies in elite endurance athletes.