Dolha Ya. V., Pastukhova V. A.

EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION IN COMBINATION WITH A LOW-CARBOHYDRATE DIET ON ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS IN WOMEN ENGAGED IN FITNESS TRAINING

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About the author:

Dolha Ya. V., Pastukhova V. A.

Heading:

SPORT MEDICINE

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of overweight among women continues toincrease. One of the most effective methods of body weight correction remains a low-carbohydrate diet, which is capable of promoting faster fat mass reduction and improving metabolic indicators. Intense or moderate physical activity further enhances the effects of the diet by influencing oxidative processes, energy expenditure, and the formation of muscle mass. Micronutrients, particularly vitamin D and iron, play an important role in the metabolic response to physical exercise; deficiencies of these nutrients are extremely common among women. Aim is to assess the effect of targeted supplementation with vitamin D and iron on the anthropometric parameters of women adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet and performing regular fitness training. Methods: anthropometric measurements, experimen tal methods, data synthesis and statistical analysis, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews were used. The study sample consisted of 40 participants (N=40), women aged 19 to 49 years. At the end of the study, the group receiving vitamin D supplementation only (2000 IU/day) demonstrated the most pronounced positive dynamics across all anthropometric indicators: body weight decreased by an average of 10.46 kg, body mass index by 4.04 kg/m², body fat percentage by 6.38%, and waist circumference by 10.95 cm. In the group receiving combined supplementation with vitamin D (2000 IU/day) and iron (0.25 mg/kg/day), reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage were recorded; waist circumference showed one of the most significant improvements, with an average decrease of 7.37 cm. The control group exhibited the smallest changes. The results indicate that iron deficiency is one of the key limiting factors affecting the effectiveness of weight-loss programs. Optimization of micronutrient status (vitamin D and iron stores) should be considered an essential component of body weight correction programs, particularly in women of reproductive age.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 1, 180, 560-568 pages, index UDC 613.2:796.015.132-055.2

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-1-180-560-568