Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and Exhaustion: Effects of Magnesium Supplementation

The effects of a 1-month exercise program and magnesium supplementation on the adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels were studied in young tae-kwon-do and sedentary subjects both at rest and exhaustion. The hormone levels were compared before and after supplementation with 10 mg of magnesium (as magnesium sulfate) per kilogram of body weight. Both exercise and magnesium supplements caused significant increases of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (p < 0.05). The cortisol levels were increased in training subjects receiving supplements (p < 0.05) but not so in subjects that either trained or received magnesium supplements in an independent manner. The cortisol levels measured in resting individuals were higher in the supplemented and non-supplemented athletes than those in sedentary subjects (p < 0.05). The results of this study show that exercise and/or magnesium supplementation causes a rise of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, whereas cortisol is increased only as a result of combined exhaustion and magnesium supplements.     

Effects of Vitamin E and Selenium on Serum Trace and Major Elements in Horses

The combined effects of vitamin E and selenium were studied in native Anatolian horses subject to strenuous exercise. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium were determined in serum by atomic absorption spectrometry in two study groups (n = 25 each), one of which served as untreated controls. After exercising the horses by running 1,500 m in about 7 min, only the copper level and the copper/zinc ratio significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the concentrations of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium remained unchanged. In horses treated with vitamin E and selenium, the calcium and potassium levels decreased to levels lower than those of untreated controls before and after exercise. The iron levels were not changed by exercise or treatment alone but increased when the horses had been supplemented and exercised. The copper level and the copper/zinc ration increased as a result of exercise in both treated and untreated horses. These changes suggest that supplementation with vitamin E and selenium had an important effect on the serum concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and the copper/zinc ratio.     

Effects of Multivitamin/Mineral Supplementation on Trace Element Levels in Serum and Follicular Fluid of Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

We investigated effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on element levels in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF. We used three groups in this study. The first group was used as an age-matched and nonpregnant control (n = 13). Group 2 (n = 30) constituted the IVF group and women in the third group who were undergoing IVF also received a multivitamin/mineral tablet daily for 45 days. Follicular fluid and serum selenium and zinc levels and follicular fluid copper levels were lower in IVF patients than in controls although follicular fluid aluminum and iron levels were higher in IVF patients than in controls. However, follicular fluid and serum aluminum, copper, zinc and selenium levels, and serum magnesium levels were higher in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group although follicular fluid iron levels were lower in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group. In conclusion, we observed that copper, zinc, and selenium in serum and follicular fluid decreased in women undergoing IVF. Multivitamin/mineral supplementation in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF normalized the trace element levels.     

Plasma Zinc,Copper, and Serum Thyroid Hormones and Insulin Levels After Zinc Supplementation Followed by Placebo in Competitive Athletes

Intense physical activity is associated with biological adaptations involving hormones and trace elements. Zinc supplementation may affect plasma copper concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose homeostasis, but data in athletes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate in competitive athletes (cyclists, n = 7, 32 ± 8 years) the effect of zinc supplementation (22 mg/day as zinc gluconate) during 30 days, and discontinuation using placebo (maltodextrin) during the following 30 days, on plasma zinc and copper concentrations, serum thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose levels, and HOMA2-IR. Compared to baseline, plasma zinc and Zn:Cu plasma ratio increased, but plasma copper decreased after zinc supplementation (day 30) and discontinuation (day 60) (p < 0.05). Zn supplementation and discontinuation had no effect on TSH, T3, and T4. Fasting serum insulin and HOMA2-IR increased (27% and 47%, respectively) on day 60 compared to baseline (p = 0.03), suggesting a delayed effect of zinc supplementation. Moreover, plasma zinc was positively associated with serum insulin (r = 0.87, p = 0.009) and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.81, p = 0.03) after zinc supplementation (day 30), indicating that supplemental zinc may impair glucose utilization in cyclists.     

Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Testosterone Levels of Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and after Exhaustion

This study was performed to assess how 4 weeks of magnesium supplementation and exercise affect the free and total plasma testosterone levels of sportsmen practicing tae kwon do and sedentary controls at rest and after exhaustion. The testosterone levels were determined at four different periods: resting before supplementation, exhaustion before supplementation, resting after supplementation, and exhaustion after supplementation in three study groups, which are as follows: Group 1—sedentary controls supplemented with 10 mg magnesium per kilogram body weight. Group 2—tae kwon do athletes practicing 90–120 min/day supplemented with 10 mg magnesium per kilogram body weight. Group 3—tae kwon do athletes practicing 90–120 min/day receiving no magnesium supplements. The free plasma testosterone levels increased at exhaustion before and after supplementation compared to resting levels. Exercise also increased testosterone levels relative to sedentary subjects. Similar increases were observed for total testosterone. Our results show that supplementation with magnesium increases free and total testosterone values in sedentary and in athletes. The increases are higher in those who exercise than in sedentary individuals.     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.     

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Antioxidant Activity in Young Wrestlers

This study aims to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on free-radical formation and antioxidant system in individuals who are actively engaged in wrestling as a sport. The study registered a total of 40 male subjects, of whom 20 were wrestlers and 20 were sedentary individuals. The subjects were equally allocated to four groups: group 1, zinc-supplemented sportsmen group; group 2, sportsmen group without supplementation; group 3, zinc-supplemented sedentary group; group 4, sedentary group without supplementation. Blood samples were collected from all subjects twice, once at the beginning of the study and once again at the end of 8-week procedures. The blood samples collected were analyzed to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum glutathione (GSH), serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (ELISA colorimetric method) and zinc (colorimetric method). No difference was found between MDA levels of the study groups in the beginning of the study. The highest MDA value at the end of the study was obtained in group 4 (p < 0.01). MDA levels in group 2 were established to be significantly higher than those in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). GSH level, GPx, and SOD activities and zinc level measured in the beginning of the study were not different between groups. Measurements performed at the end of the study showed that groups 1 and 3 (zinc-supplemented groups) had the highest GSH level, GPx, and SOD activities and zinc level (p < 0.01). These parameters were not different in the groups without supplementation (groups 2 and 4). Results obtained at the end of the study indicate that zinc supplementation prevents production of free radicals by activating the antioxidant system. In conclusion, physiologic doses of zinc supplementation to athletes may beneficially contribute to their health and performance.     

Serum Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Pregnant women in developing countries are vulnerable to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Studies assessing serum levels of the micronutrients and magnitude of their deficiencies are very scarce in African subjects. This study was aimed at determining serum levels of micronutrients in 375 pregnant (42 HIV seropositive) and 76 non-pregnant women (20 HIV seropositive) who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum concentrations of zinc,\ copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Irrespective of HIV serostatus, pregnant women had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper and copper/zinc ratio and significantly lower magnesium compared to those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Except for selenium, which was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive pregnant women (P < 0.05), the mean serum concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were not significantly different between pregnant women by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in the pregnant women, irrespective of their HIV serostatus, was 66.7%, 25.6%, 21.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. The magnitude of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and selenium was significantly higher in HIV seropositive pregnant women (76.2%, 52.4%, and 45.2%) than that in HIV-seronegative pregnant women (65.5%, 22.2%, and 18.9%) and in HIV-seronegative non-pregnant women (42.9%, 8.1%, and 30.4%; P < 0.05). Deficiency in one, two, three, or four mineral elements was observed in 44.8%, 14.4%, 9.9%, and 5.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Only 25.9% of the pregnant women and 44.7% of the non-pregnant women were not deficient in any of the micronutrients. The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Gondar, Ethiopia warrants the need for strategies on prevention and control of the deficiencies.     

Status of Copper and Magnesium Levels in Diabetic Nephropathy Cases: a Case-Control Study from South India

Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus. This present study investigates the status of copper and magnesium in diabetic nephropathy cases to establish a possible relation. Forty patients of diabetic nephropathy participated in the study as cases. Forty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as controls. Blood samples were collected from both cases and controls for determination of FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, microalbumin, copper, and magnesium levels. The mean concentrations of FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, and microalbumin of cases were significantly higher than that of controls. The mean magnesium levels of cases (1.60 ± 0.32 meq/L) were significantly lower than controls 2.14 ± 0.16 meq/L (p < 0.05). But the mean copper levels of cases, 165.42 ± 5.71 μg/dl, shows no significant difference with controls, 166.6 ± 5.48 μg/dl, (p > 0.05).The findings in the present study suggest that hypomagnesemia may be linked with development of diabetic nephropathy.     

Analysis of Trace and Major Elements in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Mycoplasma Bronchopneumonia in Calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of direct determination of trace and major element concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from Holstein calves with Mycoplasma bronchopneumonia (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 20). The samples were obtained during bronchoscopy using a standard examination method. A total of 18 elements (aluminum, bromine, calcium, chlorine, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorous, sulfur, silicon, strontium, titanium, and zinc) were detected by particle-induced X-ray emission. The average bromine, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous concentrations were higher in calves with bronchopneumonia than in controls (p < 0.05). They were found to have higher amounts of calcium and zinc, and a higher zinc–copper ratio than that in healthy calves (p < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristics curves, we propose a diagnostic cutoff point for zinc–copper ratio for identification of Mycoplasma pneumonia of 8.676. Our results indicate that assessment of the elemental composition of broncholaveolar lavage fluid is a promising diagnostic tool for Mycoplasma bronchopneumonia.     

Effects of Calcium Supplementation on Glucose and Insulin Levels of Athletes at Rest and After Exercise

This study was performed to determine how the calcium supplementation for a 4-week period affects the glucose and insulin levels at rest and at exhaustion in athletes. This is a 4-week study performed on 30 healthy subjects varying between 18 and 22 ages. Subjects were separated into three groups: first group (group supplemented with calcium, sedentary group), second group (calcium supplementations + exercise group), and third group (training group). Glucose and insulin parameters of the groups were measured four times, at rest and exhaustion in the beginning of the research and at rest and exhaustion after the end of 4 weeks application period. Exhaustion measurements both before and after the supplementations significantly decreased in compared to rest measurements in terms of insulin (p < 0.05). Significant difference was not determined in the glucose values of groups. In terms of glucose, values increased in all of the three groups occurred with exercise both before and after the supplementation by exercise and exhaustion (p < 0.05). The results of our study indicate that calcium gluconate supplementations for 4 weeks in sedentary subjects and athletes did not significantly affect plasma insulin levels at rest and exhaustion. However, glucose levels were affected by calcium supplementation and exhausting exercise in athletes.     

The Role of Calcium,Magnesium, and Zinc in Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is the most common medical complication of pregnancy associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Its exact etiology is not known, although several evidences indicate that various elements might play an important role in pre-eclampsia. This study was carried out to analyze and to compare the concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the serum of women with pre-eclampsia and in normal pregnant women. Fifty clinically diagnosed patients with pre-eclampsia (25 with mild and 25 with severe pre-eclampsia) and 50 normal pregnant controls were enrolled in this study. The serum calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels were estimated with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in normal pregnant group were 2.45 ± 0.18 mmol/L, 0.79 ± 0.13 mmol/L, and 15.64 ± 2.4 μmol/L, respectively, while in mild pre-eclamptic group, these were 2.12 ± 0.15 mmol/L, 0.67 ± 0.14 mmol/L, and 12.72 ± 1.7 μmol/L, respectively. Serum levels in severe pre-eclamptic group were 1.94 ± 0.09 mmol/L, 0.62 ± 0.11 mmol/L, and 12.04 ± 1.4 μmol/L, respectively. These results indicate that reduction in serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc during pregnancy might be possible contributors in etiology of pre-eclampsia, and supplementation of these elements to diet may be of value to prevent pre-eclampsia.     

Trace element concentrations and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in benign and malignant larynx tumors

The plasma and erythrocyte levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium and the activities of red-cell copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in patients with benign and malignant tumors of the larynx. Blood samples from patients and healthy controls were drawn using heparinized tubes. The erythrocyte Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT activities were determined spectrophotometrically and the zinc, copper, and magnesium concentrations were determined in erythrocyte and plasma by atomic absorption spectrometry. Variance analysis was employed in the statistical evaluation of the findings. There was a significant increase in red-cell Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the subjects with malignant and benign tumors compared to controls (p<0.001). The CAT activity increased only in the benign tumor group (p<0.01). The plasma zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the malignant tumor group (p<0.05) and significantly higher in the benign tumor group (p<0.01). The erythrocyte copper concentrations were significantly lower in both benign and malignant tumor groups (p<0.001). The plasma copper and magnesium and the erythrocyte magnesium concentrations did not show significant differences relative to controls (p>0.05). The increases in the activities of SOD and CAT activities and the changes in trace elements concentrations can indicate the presence of increased reactive oxygen species that might play a part in the pathogenesis larynx tumors. Presented at the IX Asian-Pacific Congress of Clinical Biochemistry, March 9–14, 2002, New Delhi, India.     

The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Various Elements in Elite Taekwondo Players

The present study aims to examine the effects of both physical activity and vitamin A supplementation on trace element metabolism in individuals engaged in taekwondo. The study registered seven healthy male national taekwondo players whose mean age was 21.86 ± 0.34 years and mean weight was 64.86 ± 2.72 kg. The subjects were supplemented with oral administration of 100 mg vitamin A (retinol) for 6 weeks, and concurrently, they were subjected to taekwondo training 5 days a week. Before starting the vitamin A supplementation, blood samples were taken from the subjects twice, once at rest and once after exhaustion. Similarly, at the end of the 6-week vitamin A supplementation, two blood samples were taken from the subjects, once at rest and once after exhaustion, in order to determine (by atomic emission) and compare serum cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, boron, and zinc (mg/L) levels. Values of boron and nickel dropped significantly after 6-week vitamin A supplementation (p < 0.001). Reduced levels of boron and nickel we obtained in the present study are believed to result from the antioxidant effect of long-term vitamin A supplementation.     

Zinc,Copper, Iron,and Selenium Levels in Brain and Liver of Mice Exposed to Acrylonitrile

The mechanism of toxicity of acrylonitrile (AN) has not been fully defined. The research described herein was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of AN on the levels of metallic elements in liver and brain of mice. Thirty-two mice were randomly assigned to four separate groups and treated intraperitoneal (i.p.) once daily for 1 week. Mice in the control group received normal saline, and mice in the three exposure groups received 5, 10, or 20 mg AN/kg b.w. Samples of brain and liver were collected immediately after decapitation. Tissue levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, iron) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer or double channel atomic fluorescence absorption spectrophotometer (selenium). Mean brain weights of AN-treated mice were increased as a function of dose compared to controls, but there was no significant change in the ratio of liver/body weight in the four groups. While mean brain zinc decreased as a function of AN dosage, mean liver zinc of the low-dose group significantly increased (p < 0.05); mean liver copper in the medium-dose AN group was significantly higher compared to controls (p < 0.05); however, mean brain copper was increased, but the difference did not attain statistical significance in the three AN groups when compared with the controls (p > 0.05). Mean brain iron levels were significantly decreased in the middle-dose AN group (p < 0.05), but there were no consistent changes in liver iron. Tissue levels of selenium in brain and liver were similar for the control and AN treatment groups. AN induces significant and differential changes in the levels of zinc, copper, and iron in brain and liver. These changes likely play a pivotal role in mediating AN toxicity, most likely via changes in cellular redox status.     

Serum Concentration of Copper,Zinc, Iron,and Cobalt and the Copper/Zinc Ratio in Horses with Equine Herpesvirus-1

The serum concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt and copper/zinc ratio were investigated in horses infected with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Nine horses were naturally infected with the virus and nine healthy horses served as controls. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt were determined spectrophotometrically in the blood serum of all horses. The results were (expressed in micrograms per deciliters) copper 2.80 ± 0.34 vs 1.12 ± 0.44, zinc 3.05 ± 0.18 vs 0.83 ± 0.06, iron 2.76 ± 0.17 vs 3.71 ± 0.69, cobalt 0.19 ± 0.37 vs 0.22 ± 0.45, and copper/zinc ratio 0.72 ± 0.38 vs 1.41 ± 0.36 for control vs infected group, respectively. In conclusion, copper and zinc concentrations of the infected group were lower than the control group (p < 0.001), whereas iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio of the infected group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). The cobalt concentration was not found to be statistically different between two groups. It might be emphasized that copper/zinc ratio was significantly affected by the EHV-1 infection, so it could be taken into consideration during the course of infection. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.     

The Effects of Exercise and Zinc Deficiency on Some Elements in Rats

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise and zinc deficiency on some elements in rats. Forty adult male Sprague–Dawley species male rats were allocated to four groups as follows: Group 1: control, Group 2: zinc-deficient, Group 3: exercise in which exercise group fed with a normal diet, Group 4: zinc-deficient exercise, exercise group fed by a zinc-deficient diet for 15 days. After the procedure ended, rats in groups 3 and 4 were exercised on the treadmill for 60 min at a speed of 6 m/min until the exhaustion. The rats were decapitated 48 h after exercise together with their controls, and blood samples were collected to determine copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels. The highest Cu and Fe values in the serum were obtained in group 2 (p < 0.01). The levels of these elements in group 4 were lower than those in group 2 and higher than the levels in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). Serum Mg levels did not differ significantly between groups. Group 4 had the lowest serum Ca and P levels (p < 0.01). These same parameters in Group 2 were higher than those in group 4 but significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between Ca and P levels of groups 1 and 3. The results of the study indicate that zinc deficiency adversely affects copper, iron, calcium, and phosphorus mechanisms and that these adverse effects much more marked after an effort exercise.     

Effect of long-term swimming exercise on zinc,magnesium, and copper distribution in aged rats

Trace element content of different tissues might be altered by both age and exercise training. We aimed to determine the effects of a 1-yr swimming protocol (60 min/d, 5 day/wk) on tissue levels and the distribution of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) in aging rats. Three groups were formed: sedentary and trained old groups and a young control group. Tissue Zn, Mg, and Cu concentrations were measured in the kidney, heart, liver, lungs, and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Kidney zinc concentration significantly decreased in the sedentary old group compared to the young control group (p<0.01) and was significantly higher in the trained old group compared to the sedentary old group (p<0.01), whereas Zn levels in the soleus muscle significantly increased in the sedentary old group in comparison to young controls (p<0.05). Tissue Mg concentrations remained unchanged. The sedentary old group exhibited a significant decrease in kidney Cu concentration compared to the young control group (p<0.01). Although kidney Cu levels also decreased in trained old rats in comparison to young controls (p<0.05), they were significantly higher than in sedentary old rats (p<0.01). The decrease in kidney Zn and Cu content as a result of aging was partly prevented by long-term swimming exercise.     

Calcium Supplementation and 4-Week Exercise on Blood Parameters of Athletes at Rest and Exhaustion

In the present study, experiments were designed to investigate if supplementation with calcium during 4 weeks had an effect on blood parameters in sedentary male athletes at rest and exhaustion. Thirty healthy subjects of ages ranging from 18 to 22 years were included in the study. The subjects were separated into three groups, as follows: Group 1 consisted sedentary athletes receiving 35 mg/kg/day calcium gluconate. Group 2 included subjects equally supplemented with calcium training 90 min/day for 5 days/week. Group 3 were subject to the same exercise regime but did not receive calcium supplements. Blood parameters were determined in the experimental subjects at rest and after exhaustion. The leukocyte count (WBC) of athletes in groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher at exhaustion (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the WBC of the two supplemented groups. The erythrocyte count (RBC) was increased in the supplemented athletes after training (p < 0.05), but hemoglobin, hematocrit, and trombocyte levels remained unchanged. The mean corpuscular volume increased in the calcium-supplemented group at rest (p < 0.05). These results suggest that calcium supplementation only causes increases in white and red blood cell counts in athletes after exhaustion while other hematological parameters remain unchanged.