LAUSR

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to verify the effects of protracted intake of chlorophyll on blood counts’ parameters and iron levels in endurance athletes, investigating supposed anti-anemic properties.MethodsTwenty-two endurance athletes were randomly assigned into two groups in a double-blind study: the experimental group (EG) consumed chlorophyll, while the control group (CG) consumed a placebo, at a dose of 1.6 drops × kg per day for 120 days. Blood cell count and the serum iron analyses were carried out before starting the experiment, after 30 days and after 120 days.ResultsEG showed statistically significant increase in platelet distribution width (PDW, MD = 0.83, 95% CI 0.41, 1.38), mean platelet volume (MPV, MD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19, 0.67) and platelet/large cell ratio (P-LCR, MD = 3.28, 95% CI 1.51, 5.25) after 120 days. No variations in CG were found during the follow-up.ConclusionsThe increase of platelet-related measures could positively influence the endurance performance by reducing pain and fatigue. The supposed ergogenic effects and anti-anemic properties however require further study.