Effects of an Iron-biofortification Feeding Trial on Physical Performance of Rwandan Women
Sarah Luna *
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Mercy Lung'aho
CIAT-Uganda, Kawanda, Uganda.
Jean Bosco Gahutu
University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda.
Jere Haas
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: To examine the effects of an iron-biofortified bean intervention on physical performance in Rwandan women assessed by VO2max and work efficiency.
Methods: 145 Rwandan women (18-26 years) were randomized to receive either iron-biofortified beans or traditional beans twice daily for 5 months. Blood biomarkers and physical performance were measured before and after the feeding period. VO2max and work efficiency at 70 watts were assessed with a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (Monark 874E). Heart rate, O2, and CO2 were directly measured with the Cosmed K4B2 system. Non parametric tests and mixed effects models with repeated measures were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on blood biomarkers and VO2max and work efficiency.
Results: Serum ferritin significantly increased in the iron-biofortified group (4.0 µg/l increase in median in treatment group, 2.5 µg/l increase in median in control group; p=0.04). VO2max significantly increased in the iron-biofortified group compared to the control group (p=0.05). Work efficiency at 70 watts significantly increased over time but was not different between groups.
Conclusions: Consumption of iron-biofortified beans significantly improved serum iron status and VO2max in Rwandan women but had no effect on work efficiency.