Hematological, Biochemical, and Nutritional Status in Young Male Basketball Players

Abstract

Hematologic biomarkers are increasingly used to assess health and readiness of athletes. However, reference values for specific and unique populations are not readily available. This could be crucial for properly interpreting results and optimizing performance. PURPOSE: To determine hematological, biochemical and nutritional status in young male Turkish in-season basketball players. METHODS: Various blood-based biomarkers were assessed in N=13 trained young male basketball players (Mage=17.46 ± 0.66 yrs, Mheight=194.2±4.6 cm, Mweight=83.79±9.12 kg, and Mtraining=6.3±2.3 yrs). Seven-day dietary records were used to evaluate nutritional status. Standard clinical panels utilizing serum, urine and capillary samples were assessed. The descriptive study was carried out pre-practice during the midpoint of the basketball season. Values are expressed as means ± SD for all results. RESULTS: Subjects presented the following values for the clinical panel: RBC (5.3±0.25 x10^6/μL), WBC (9.05±2.81 x10^3/μL), Hb (16.2±0.56 g/dl), Hct (48.9±1.62 %), MCV (92.05±4.34 fL) , ALT (16.2 ± 5.4 U/L), AST (21.1 ± 3.82 U/L), GGT (23.7 ± 32.2 U/L), urea (15.8 ± 3.2 mg/dL), total protein (7.43 ± 0.3 g/dl), albumin (5.33 ± 0.22 g/dL), TSH (1.72 ± 0.66 mIU/L), T4 (15.17 ± 2.63 μg/dl), T3 (5.38 ± 0.36 ng/dl), ferritin (32.32 ± 15.58 ng/mL), LDH (370.2±56.4 IU/L), CK (308.6±199.8 U/L), plasma Ca (10.3±0.3 mg/dl), P (4.4±0.4 mg/dl), K (4.2±0.3 mEq/l), and urine density (1025.4±4.4). Subjects’ daily energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes were 3430±168 kcal, 114.1±29.1 g/day (1.4 g/kg/day), and 360.3±69.9 g/day, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that Hb and Hct values were in normal range in comparison with population references. CK levels, though elevated, were within clinical norms. Overall, the values were as expected for a healthy, active population, though the cumulative effects over the course of the season may differ. Additional endocrine assessments may provide more useful information on physical readiness and training status.