Skip to main content
Download PDF

Effects of dietary supplements on selected hematological and biochemical parameters of Pakistani athletes

BMC Nutrition volume 4, Article number: 41 (2018) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) National Center for Health statistics recent reports have shown that an upsurge has occurred in the use of dietary supplements among age of 20 years since 1994 and this use shown regular increase. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of supplements on the reproductive health on male athletes in Pakistan.

Methods

A total of 150 adult male with mean age of 25.78 ± 0.56 years were included in this study and divided into four groups: Non-athlete control (n = 57), Non supplemental athlete control (n = 40), Supplemental athlete group I (n = 28) and supplemental athlete group II (n = 25). Blood (10 ml) was taken from each subject. Complete blood count was performed and 5 ml of blood was centrifuged to separate plasma and then analyzed for antioxidant enzyme (CAT, POD, GR and GSH) activities, Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), electrolyte, metal (sodium, potassium and zinc) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration.

Results

Complete blood count results showed normal RBC, WBC, Platelets, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, GR, GSH) increased significantly in supplemental athletes as compared to control groups. Sodium and potassium showed significant increase (p < 0.001) in supplemental athlete group I, while TBARS also showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in supplemental group I and II as compared to non athlete control while non supplemental athletes showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in TBARS concentration as compared to non athlete control. LH concentration was found to be decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in supplemental group I and II as compared to control groups.

Conclusion

It is therefore concluded from the present results that oxidative stress was considerably elevated in response to supplement consumption among athletes which may affect their health haematological parameters and reproductive hormones.

Peer Review reports

Background

Dietary supplement use in the general population is increasing day by day around the globe. An estimation of 30–50% increase has occurred in the rate of energy drinks and dietary supplements among adolescents in 2010 [1]. Young athletes have focused on different kind of dietary supplements for quick results [2] which they consider secure and lawful [3].

The frequent use of these supplements is not good for health, studies have shown that continuous use of energy drinks and dietary supplements lead into neurological and cardiovascular problems [4,5,6].

Athletes are constrained from the use of diverse kinds of nutraceuticals which are habitually used for the treatment of different kind of complacencies as pain management [7], osteoarthritis [8, 9] and ulcerative colitis [10]. These nutraceuticals drugs are used by varoius companies in energy drinks and dietary supplements for swift effect, which does not require any pre- approval form Food and Drug administration (FDA) [11]. FDA does not confirm the quality control of manufactory process of ingredients found in the energy drinks and supplement like Ephedra, Caffeine, Amino Acids, L-tryptophan Phenylalanine, Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA), Vitamins and Minerals, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Niacin (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) ginseng, multivitamins, taurine, and guarana [11,12,13]. Due to which Athletes are prone to severe health risks, like neurological, metabolic and cardiovascular problems [14,15,16].

Regardless of the availability of extensive information about supplement utilization from different parts of the world, limited data is accessible from Pakistan. However, even the limited number of studies shows relatively high use of supplement consumption among the Pakistani athletes. This elevated consumption may induce serious health consequences [17]. Numerous studies have also specified some adverse effects of dietary supplements usage, including cardiovascular, hematological, metabolic, and neurological problems [16] whereas, there is modest scientific data that confirms the advantageous effects of nutritional supplements in athletes [18]. Consequently, the sum of dietary supplement consumption should be constrained within the recommended dose [19]. Among the general populations, athletes are more predisposed to use these supplements as compared to other sportsmen. Nowadays, this idea has been raised in Pakistani youth and adolescent athletes. On the other hand, as the usage of supplements is more accepted by gym exercisers, serious measures should be taken about the effects of supplement consumption. Based on biochemical and physiological action of dietary supplements, this study was conducted for the purpose to assess the possible effects of some commonly used supplements by athletes on their hematological and biochemical parameters and then comparison was made with a control group.

Methods

Study design and subjects

The present study was conducted at Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University and the Bio-gym Islamabad. Before onset of study, the purpose of study was verbally explained to all participants and they gave informed written consent showing their wiliness to participate in the study. The study was approved by ethical committee (BAS#256) for research on human subject, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Male volunteer athletes who were not involved in any professional sports were selected for this study. A total of 150 adult males were included in this study. These included 93 athletes and 57 non-athletes (age: 25 ± 8 years; Range: 20–35 years). All the volunteers were informed about all the procedures and outcomes of the study.

Prior to this study self-reported questionnaire was done form all the volunteers who participated in study. Personal, social, demographical and reproductive health questions were asked in the questionnaires.

The subjects were categorized into following four groups. Control athletes and non-athletes, and athletes who, in addition to exercise, voluntarily took supplements were categorized into 2 groups on the basis of type of supplements taken.

Experimental design

  • Control group I: Non athletes (n = 57)

  • Control group II: Non-supplemental athlete group (n = 40)

  • Supplemental athlete group (SAG) I*: (n = 28)

  • Supplemental athlete group (SAG) II ¥: (n = 25)

*(SAG I) these athletes were taking supplement comprising human growth hormone = 4 IU daily, dihydrotestosterone, 1000 mg/week, Creatine = 40,000 mg daily; Glutamine = 40,000 mg daily; Branched chain amino acids = 200,000 mg protein/day.

¥ (SAG II) were taking supplements including dihydrotestosterone = 1000 mg/week; cytomel 13liothyronine = 0.1 mg/day; Clenbuterol = 0.02–0.1 mg/day; Caffeine, ephedrine, aspirin = 150,000 mg/day; L-arginine = 1500–3000 mg twice/day; L-carnitine = 500–1500 mg twice/day; Vanadyl sulfate = 50 mg twice/day; medium chain triglycerides = 50 mg twice/day.

Age and body mass index (BMI)

Age was self-reported. Weight and height were measured using the standard methods (Alam et al., 2013). BMI was calculated using weight and height and reference ranges were taken from World Health Organization defining underweight as BMI < 18.50; normal weight = 18.50–24.99; overweight≥25.00; and obese ≥30.00.

Blood collection and serum separation

A blood sample (10 ml) was anesthetically obtained from all the participants by a trained and certified technician. All the samples were centrifuged (kokusan, Japan), for 15 min at 3000 rpm to separate plasma which was transferred to eppendorf tubes and stored at − 70 °C respectively until analyzed.

Complete blood profile

Five milliliters of blood from syringe was transferred into lavender vacutainer, containing Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as anticoagulant. Blood count was performed on an automated hematology analyzer (Medonic M16S, Sweden) at Life Care Diagnostic laboratory, Rawalpindi. Each count presented the data of white blood cell count (WBC), red blood count (RBC) platelets count (Plt), mean platelet volume (MPV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), measurement of hemoglobin (Hgb), and measurement of hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell distribution width percentage (RDW %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).

Plasma analysis

Plasma samples were analyzed for the determination of antioxidant enzymes activity of Catalase CAT) [20] Peroxidase (POD) [21] Glutathione Reductase (GR) [22], Reduced Glutathione (GSH) [23], lipid peroxidation (TBARS) [24] on a UV spectrophotometer (Agilent 8453) while total protein estimation was done by AMP Diagnostics reagent kit on chemistry analyzer and hormonal concentration was detected by Enzyme Immuno Assay test kit (Amgenix Inc., USA).

Determination of electrolytes/metal in blood

Electrolytes (Na+ and K+) and Zinc in blood was determined by following the method of [25] and [26] with some modification. It involves the following steps.

Acid digestion of serum samples

Acid digestion was done according to the following steps.

Prior to the start of acid digestion all the apparatus was soaked with 10% Nitric acid for 24 h and then washed with 69% nitric acid. Before the process of digestion pre-digestion was done in which each sample of 0.5 ml of blood was taken and 5 ml of 69% HNO3 was added in it until it became clear.

Digestion

Samples were digested manually by boiling the whole blood in HNO3 on a hot plate at 400 °C until half of the liquid evaporated.

Filtration

After digestion these samples were filtered through filter paper and the final volume of filtrate was made to 15 ml by adding distilled water. Samples at this stage were ready for atomic absorption spectrometry.

Atomic absorption spectrometry

Prior to the start of atomic absorption spectrometry the following standard solutions were prepared.

Standard solution of each salt of 1000 ppm concentration was prepared by following formula.

$$ \frac{\mathrm{Molecular}\ \mathrm{weight}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{salt}\ \mathrm{x}\ 0.1=\mathrm{x}}{\mathrm{Molecular}\ \mathrm{weight}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{sample}} $$

x grams of salt were dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to make 1000 ppm solution.

In order to calibrate the instrument, diluted solutions having concentration from 1 ppm to 50 ppm were used. The different calculations were made using the formula.

$$ {\mathrm{C}}_1{\mathrm{V}}_{1=}{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{V}}_2 $$

Where C1 represent concentration and V1 volume of stock solution of standard andC2 and V2 are the required concentration and volume respectively.

Determination of metal concentration

For detection of different metals by Fast Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (SAAS), different lamps specific for that particular metal were used. A series of standard elements under analysis were run. Each digested sample was subjected to Acetylene flame of atomic absorbance spectrometer (Varian AA240FS, USA) and concentration of microelements was noted. These concentrations were obtained in ppm and converted into mg/l by using the following formula

$$ \mathrm{Metal}\ \mathrm{concentration}\ \left(\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{l}\right)=\frac{\mathrm{final}\ \mathrm{volume}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{dilution}\ \mathrm{x}\ \mathrm{metal}\ \mathrm{concentration}\ \left(\mathrm{ppm}\right)}{\mathrm{Volume}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{sample}} $$

Determination of plasma Luteinizing hormone

The kit contained antibody-coated microtitter plate coated with 96 wells, LH standard set, contains six vials (ready to use) 0, 5, 20 50, 100 and 200 mlU/ml, Enzyme conjugate reagent 12 ml, Trimethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate one bottle (ready to use) 12 ml, stop solution one bottle (ready to use) 12 ml, 50X wash buffer concentrate one bottle 15 ml.

Principle

This test is based on a solid phase ELISA. The assay system utilizes one anti-LH antibody for solid phase (microtiter wells) immobilization and another mouse monoclonal anti-LH antibody in the antibody-enzyme (horsereddish peroxidase) conjugate solution. The test sample is allowed to react simultaneously with the antibodies resulting in the LH molecules being sandwiched between the solid phase and enzyme-linked antibodies. Unbound LH and LH enzymes conjugate is washed off by washing buffer. Upon addition of substrate, the intensity of the color is inversely proportional to the concentration of LH in the sample; a standard curve is prepared relating color intensity to the concentration of the LH.

Procedure

The reagents provided with kit were gently mixed prior to the start of the experiment.

Desired number of wells were secured and 50ul of standard, control and specimen were dispensed into wells. 100ul of enzyme cognate was added and the samples were mixed and incubated at 37 °C for 60 mins. Washing was done of the plate 5 times with Elisa plate washer. TMB substrate 100ul was added in wells and again incubated for 20 min at 37 °C. later on stop solution 100ul was added in order to stop the solution and the absorbance was read at 450 nm on Elisa Plate reader.

Statistical analysis

All data is presented as the mean ± standard error of mean. Data of in vivo assays recorded was analyzed by one way ANOVA carried by computer software SPSS version 16.0. p < 0.05 was considered significantly significant.

Results

Age and body mass index (BMI)

The mean age (years) and BMI (kg/m2) of NA control was 25.60 ± 0.59 and 23.15 ± 0.44, NSA control 25.17 ± 0.86 and 26.43 ± 0.56, SA-I 26.43 ± 0.88 and 26.84 ± 0.72 and SA-II was 25.96 ± 1.07 and 26.77 ± 0.87 as expressed in Table 1.

Table 1 Mean ± SEM age (years) and body mass index (kg/m2) of control subjects and supplemental athletes
Full size table

Complete blood profile

No significant difference was found in WBC count, RBC count, Hb concentrations, Hematocrit percentage (Hct %), MCH MPV levels in both groups of supplemental athletes in comparison to control subjects. Platelets count showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in NSA control and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SA-I and SA-II as compared to NA control but all groups have platelet count well within the normal range. Mean MCV showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in NSA control and SA-I as compared to NA control while no significant difference in SA-II, as compared to NA control. However MCV of all the groups is well within the normal range. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in NSA control and SA-I, SA-II as compared to subjects of NA control group. Red blood cell Distribution Width percentage (RDW %) levels were significantly high (p < 0.05) in NSA control as compared to NA control while no significant difference was observed in SA-I and SA-II, in comparison with NA control group (Table 2).

Table 2 Mean ± SEM White blood cell count (WBC), Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin count (HGH), hematocrit (HCT), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet count (PLT) in control subjects and supplemental athletes
Full size table

Antioxidant enzymes

Catalase (CAT) activity was measured in all the four groups. CAT activity increased in non-supplement athletes and Supplemental athletes-I group as (P < 0.001) compared to control. While there was no significant difference found in non-athletes and supplement athletes-II group (Table 3).

Table 3 Mean ± SEM Plasma Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD), Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) activity in control subjects, supplemental athletes
Full size table

The levels of glutathione reductase were observed in all the groups and an increase in supplemental athletes-II of (P < 0.0001) and decrease non-supplement athletes of (P < 0.0001) were observed when compared to the non-athletes group (Table 3).

In POD levels significant decrease of (P < 0.05) in supplemental athletes-I and in Supplemental athletes-II was observed when compared to the control groups.

In TBARS levels significant increase of (P < 0.05) was observed in non-supplemental athletes groups as compared to the non-athlete control group. While in the other groups no significant difference was observed as compared to control group.

There was no significant difference observed in GSH and protein levels when compared to the control groups (Tables 3 and 4).

Table 4 Mean ± SEM Total protein content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance activity in plasma of control subjects, non supplemental and supplemental athletes
Full size table

Electrolytes and metals

Plasma sodium concentration was found significantly increased (p < 0.001) in SA-I as compared to control groups (Table 5). While significant increase in plasma Potassium concentration was observed in SA-I as compared to control groups (Table 5). However plasma Zinc levels showed no significant difference in any group in comparison with control. (Table 5).

Table 5 Plasma Sodium, Potassium, Zinc and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in control subjects and supplemental athletes. Different alphabets show that the values are significantly different while same alphabets show similar results
Full size table

Plasma Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration

Plasma Luteinizing hormone concentration (mIU/ml) displayed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SA-I (3.48 ± 0.86) and SA-II (4.68 ± 1.07) as compared to NA (7.21 ± 0.77) and NSA (7.56 ± 1.25) control groups.

Discussion

Effect of Supplements on the exercise induce oxidative stress, inflammatory response and muscle damage have been shown by multiple mechanisms in the past. Present study was designed to show the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on reproductive health of Pakistani male athletes. The results showed that the body mass index (kg/m2) of non-supplemental control, non-supplemental athletes control, supplemental athletes I and II was (23.15 ± 0.44, 26.43 ± 0.56, 26.84 ± 0.72 and 25.77 ± 0.87) which is higher than the body mass index of athletes in WHO global database [27].

All the parameters of blood count were normal which are in accordance with the previous study which also reported normal blood count results in subjects using sport supplements [28].

Numerous studies have shown many health benefits of exercise, where some studies have also shown that exercise upsurges the oxygen uptake which induces oxidative stress, high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in the body which at times lead into the breakdown of fatty acids, amino acids, proteins and DNA macromolecules [29,30,31,32]. Recent studies have shown that the initiators of two important redox-sensitive signaling pathways including nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) are due to ROS production during exercise [33].

Previous studies have reported increased antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant nutrients in response to extreme exercise [33,34,35,36]. Present study supports these findings as depicted by increased Catalase, Peroxidase, Glutathione reductase and TBARS levels in the plasma of athlete groups as compared to non-athlete controls. Reduced-glutathione (GSH) concentration also increased in NSA control, SA-I and SA-II as compared to NA control but the difference is not statistically significant.

In the present study, plasma Catalase activity of supplemental athlete group (SA-I) increased significantly (p < 0.001) than both control groups. These findings also strengthen previous findings that Creatine supplementation did not inhibit rise in oxidative stress markers (Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase) which rise due to exercise. Lawler et al., (2002) for the first time reported antioxidant activity of creatine. However, few reports suggested that Creatine supplementation in diseased populations, has been effective in reducing oxidative stress [34, 37, 38] There was no significant increase in second supplemental athlete group (SA-II) in plasma Catalase activity as compared to both the control goups, and it remained similar to non-athletes control (NA control). This Catalase suppression may be due to Vanadyl sulfate supplementation, as a previous study reported that Vanadyl sulfate administration to diabetic rats significantly decreased serum antioxidant enzyme levels, which were significantly raised by diabetes in muscle tissues.

Davies et al., (1987) measured lipid peroxidation in male Long Evans rats that exercise, increased lipid peroxidation as measured by TBARS assay. While many studies have supported Davies’ findings [39,40,41], as many have refuted them [42, 43]. The present study is also in agreement with Davies’ findings that exercise induces oxidative stress as indicated by the significantly increased levels of TBARS in non-supplemental athlete group (NSA control) and in both the supplemental athlete groups as compared to non-athlete control. (NA control); however in the supplemental groups (SA-I and SA-II) which along with other supplements also consumed Creatine (SA-I) and vanadyl sulfate (SA-II), the increase in TBARS concentration is slightly suppressed.

In present study, an increase in the plasma electrolyte was seen in athletes who used supplements as compared to those who do not use supplements like control group which is in relation to the previous studies [44,45,46,47] where Creatine supplementation causes electrolyte disturbances and renal damages.

Studies revealed that trace elements are also important in the enhancement of performance. Deficiency of Zinc in the body of athletes can lead to weight loss, fatigue and osteoporosis [48]. In our study, we observed normal Zinc levels in athletes who were using dietary supplements.

This study also investigated the effect of sports supplements on Luteinizing hormone level which was found to be significantly decreased in both the supplemental groups as compared to control groups. This indicates an inhibitory effect on the pituitary level. This inhibition in LH production may consequently lead to low Testosterone production and thus reproduction may be affected. However, this might be the effect of negative feedback of steroids (dihydrotestosterone) taken by the athletes. These results are in accordance with previous study in which men uses different type of supplements exhibit persistently reduced endogenous testosterone concentrations [49].

Conclusion

Dietary supplements intake for a long period have been observed to have direct effect on health of athletes. The indiscriminate use of dietary supplements on a “just-in-case basis” is to be discouraged, and is likely to do more harm than good. For the safety of athletes dietary supplements where nutrient needs can be met by normal food shall be avoided and athletic coaches and trainers shall be educated in using natural food to meet the desired results. Supplements such as steroids and other ergogenic substances shall not be used by the athletes expect where medically indicated and where use is monitored by experts in the field.

Abbreviations

BCAA:

Branched Chain Amino Acids

CAT:

Catalase

CDC:

Centers for Disease Control

EDTA:

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

FAD:

Flavin adenine dinucleotide

GR:

Glutathione Reductase

GSH:

Reduced Glutathione

LH:

Luteinizing hormone

MAPK:

Mitogen-activated protein kinase

NFkb:

Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells

POD:

Peroxidase

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

TMB:

Trimethylbenzidine

WBC:

White blood cell

References

  1. Seifert SM, Schaechter JL, Hershorin ER, Lipshultz SE. Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):511–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Darvishi L, Askari G, Hariri M, Bahreynian M, Ghiasvand R, Ehsani S, et al. The use of nutritional supplements among male collegiate athletes. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S68.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Williams MH. Dietary supplements and sports performance: introduction and vitamins. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2004;1(2):1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Bagwath Persad L. Energy drinks and the neurophysiological impact of caffeine. Front Neurosci. 2011;5:116.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Rottlaender D, Motloch L, Reda S, Larbig R, Hoppe U. Cardiac arrest due to long QT syndrome associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks. Int J Cardiol. 2012;158(3):e51–e2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Steinke L, Kalus JS, Dhanapal V, Lanfear DE, Berlie HD. “Energy drink” consumption causes increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Circulation. 2007;116(Suppl 16):II_831.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Curatolo M, Bogduk N. Pharmacologic pain treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: current perspectives and future prospects. Clin J Pain. 2001;17(1):25–32.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Mautone G. Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2000;284(10):1241.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. McAlindon TLM, Gulin J, Felson D. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis. A systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2000;284:1469–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. Digestion. 2001;63(Suppl. 1):60–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Hoyte CO, Albert D, Heard KJ. The use of energy drinks, dietary supplements, and prescription medications by United States college students to enhance athletic performance. J Community Health. 2013;38(3):575–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Jacobs I, Pasternak H, Bell DG. Effects of ephedrine, caffeine, and their combination on muscular endurance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;35(6):987–94.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Schwenk TL, Costley CD. When food becomes a drug: nonanabolic nutritional supplement use in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2002;30(6):907–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Scally MC, Hodge A. A report of hypothyroidism induced by an over-thecounter fat loss supplement (Tiratricol). Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003;13:112–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Foxford RJ, Sahlas DJ, Wingfield KA. Vasospasm-induced stroke in a varsity athlete secondary to ephedrine ingestion. Clin J Sport Med. 2003;13(3):183–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Palmer ME, Haller C, McKinney PE, Klein-Schwartz W, Tschirgi A, Smolinske SC, et al. Adverse events associated with dietary supplements: an observational study. Lancet. 2003;361(9352):101–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Schroder H, Navarro E, Mora J, Seco J, Torregrosa J, Tramullas A. The type, amount, frequency and timing of dietary supplement use by elite players in the first Spanish basketball league. J Sports Sci. 2002;20(4):353–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Geyer H, Parr M, Mareck U, Reinhart U, Schrader Y, Schänzer W. Analysis of non-hormonal nutritional supplements for anabolic-androgenic steroids-results of an international study. Int J Sports Med. 2004;25(02):124–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Dawson WJ. American College of Sports Medicine, American dietetic association, and dietitians of Canada: nutrition and athletic performance (joint position statement). Med Probl Perform Art. 2002;17(1):51–3.

    Google Scholar 

  20. AEBI H, Wyss SR, Scherz B, Skvaril F. Heterogeneity of erythrocyte catalase II. FEBS J. 1974;48(1):137–45.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Carlberg I, Mannervik B. Purification and characterization of the flavoenzyme glutathione reductase from rat liver. J Biol Chem. 1975;250(14):5475–80.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Goldberg D, Spooner R. VerlogChemie, vol. 3. Deerfield Beach: Fl. V; 1983. p. 258–65.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Burtis CA, Ashwood ER. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry. 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Iqbal M, Sharma S, Rezazadeh H, Hasan N, Abdulla M, Athar M. Glutathione metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress in ferric nitrilotriacetate mediated hepatic injury. Redox Rep. 1996;2(6):385–91.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Teresa M, Vasconcelos S, Tavares HM. Trace element concentrations in blood and hair of young apprentices of a technical-professional school. Sci Total Environ. 1997;205(2):189–99.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Tripathi R, Raghunath R, Mahapatra S, Sadasivan S. Blood lead and its effect on cd, cu, Zn, Fe and hemoglobin levels of children. Sci Total Environ. 2001;277(1):161–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Ode JJ, Pivarnik JM, Reeves MJ, Knous JL. Body mass index as a predictor of percent fat in college athletes and nonathletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(3):403–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Timcheh-Hariri A, Balali-Mood M, Aryan E, Sadeghi M, Riahi-Zanjani B. Toxic hepatitis in a group of 20 male body-builders taking dietary supplements. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012;50(10):3826–32.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Yavari A, Javadi M, Mirmiran P, Bahadoran Z. Exercise-induced oxidative stress and dietary antioxidants. Asian J Sports Med. 2015;6(1):e24898.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Kelkar G, Subhadra K, Chengappa RK. Effect of antioxidant supplementation on hematological parameters, oxidative stress and performance of Indian athletes. J Hum Ecol. 2008;24(3):209–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Peake J, Suzuki K. Neutrophil activation, antioxidant supplements and exercise-induced oxidative stress. Exerc Immunol Rev. 2004;10(1):129–41.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Lambertucci RH, Levada-Pires AC, Rossoni LV, Curi R, Pithon-Curi TC. Effects of aerobic exercise training on antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels in soleus muscle from young and aged rats. Mech Ageing Dev. 2007;128(3):267–75.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Ji LL. Antioxidant signaling in skeletal muscle: a brief review. Exp Gerontol. 2007;42(7):582–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Belviranlı M, Gökbel H. Acute exercise induced oxidative stress and antioxidant changes. Eur J Gen Med. 2006;3(3):126–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Elokda AS, Nielsen DH. Effects of exercise training on the glutathione antioxidant system. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2007;14(5):630–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Terblanche S. The effects of exhaustive exercise on the activity levels of catalase in various tissues of male and female rats. Cell Biol Int. 1999;23(11):749–53.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Rodriguez MC, MacDonald JR, Mahoney DJ, Parise G, Beal MF, Tarnopolsky MA. Beneficial effects of creatine, CoQ10, and lipoic acid in mitochondrial disorders. Muscle Nerve. 2007;35(2):235–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Tarnopolsky MA, Simon DK, Roy BD, Chorneyko K, Lowther SA, Johns DR, et al. Attenuation of free radical production and paracrystalline inclusions by creatine supplementation in a patient with a novel cytochrome b mutation. Muscle Nerve. 2004;29(4):537–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Johnson BD, Padilla J, Wallace JP. The exercise dose affects oxidative stress and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in trained men. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(1):33–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Mastaloudis A, Leonard SW, Traber MG. Oxidative stress in athletes during extreme endurance exercise. Free Radic Biol Med. 2001;31(7):911–22.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Davies KJ, Quintanilha AT, Brooks GA, Packer L. Free radicals and tissue damage produced by exercise. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1982;107(4):1198–205.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Inayama T, Kumagai Y, Sakane M, Saito M, Matsuda M. Plasma protein-bound sulfhydryl group oxidation in humans following a full marathon race. Life Sci. 1996;59(7):573–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Kamber MBN, Saugy M, Rivier L. Nutritional supplements as a source for positive doping cases? Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2001;11:258–63.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Pecci M, Lombardo J. Performance-enhancing supplements. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2000;11(4):949–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Persky AM, Brazeau GA, Hochhaus G. Pharmacokinetics of the dietary supplement creatine. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2003;42(6):557–74.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Poortmans JR, Francaux M. Adverse effects of creatine supplementation. Sports Med. 2000;30(3):155–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Catlin DH, Leder BZ, Ahrens B, Starcevic B, Hatton CK, Green GA, et al. Trace contamination of over-the-counter androstenedione and positive urine test results for a nandrolone metabolite. JAMA. 2000;284(20):2618–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Micheletti A, Rossi R, Rufini S. Zinc status in athletes. Sports Med. 2001;31(8):577–82.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Calfee R, Fadale P. Popular ergogenic drugs and supplements in young athletes. Pediatrics. 2006;117(3):e577–e89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islambad, Pakistan. We are grateful to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for its support of this research through Research Group Project number 193.

Funding

The project was partially funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. We are grateful to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for its funding of this research through Research Group Project number 193 in designing, sample collection and data interpretition.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Sarwat Jahan, Andleeb Fatima, Asad Ullah, Humaira Rehman & Suhail Razak

  2. Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Iftikhar Alam, Ali Almajwal & Suhail Razak

  3. Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam university, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Tayyaba Afsar

Authors
  1. Sarwat Jahan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Andleeb Fatima
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Iftikhar Alam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Asad Ullah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Humaira Rehman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Tayyaba Afsar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Ali Almajwal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Suhail Razak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SJ designed the study, conceived the study and analyzed the results. AF and AU conceived an initial part of the study, performed the experiment and helped in compiling the results. SR helped in writing the results. SJ, SR, HR, IA and TA wrote the paper with input from all other authors SR, TA, IA and AA made substantial contribution in interpretation of data and revising the manuscript for intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Suhail Razak.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study makes use of Humans and the experimental protocol was approved (BAS#0256) by the ethical board of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan. Before onset of study, the purpose of study was verbally explained to all participants and they gave informed written consent showing their wiliness to participate in the study.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Jahan, S., Fatima, A., Alam, I. et al. Effects of dietary supplements on selected hematological and biochemical parameters of Pakistani athletes. BMC Nutr 4, 41 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-018-0250-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-018-0250-y

Keywords

BMC Nutrition

ISSN: 2055-0928

Contact us