Fig. 3

Data represents the mean (SD) values for iron binding capacity (UIBC) (a), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (b), ferritin (c) and soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) (d) levels during exercise tests performed before and after the supplementation (mean ± SD). Note: UIBC = unsaturated iron binding capacity; TIBC = total iron binding capacity; sTfR = soluble transferrin receptors;- SUPL = supplemented group; - PLA = placebo group; B = baseline; Ex = immediately after the exercise; R = after a 1-day recovery; † − significantly different compared to baseline level; * - significantly different compared to PLA