Background and Objective: Thalassemia is an inherited disorder which is common in Iran. Most thalassemic patients suffer from growth retardation due to economic and nutritional problems. The majority of these patients die because of some chronic problems such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Nutritional assessment and intervention are important for improving the life expectancy and quality of living in thalassemic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and hematological indices in patients with beta thalassemia major. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 61 thalassemic patients, whom were referred to the Seyed-al-shohada Hospital in Isfahan, were enrolled. Data on the dietary intake (micro-nutrient and macro-nutrient intake) were obtained by 24-hr Food recall and analyzed with a Food Processor software. Demographic data were obtained by using General Questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using student t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: Carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes were significantly lower than the standards (23.2 g, 144.6 g, and 17.4 g vs. 130 g, 49 g, and 30 g, respectively (P<0.05). Most of the micronutrient intakes such as vitamins A, D, and B12, and Zink and calcium were lower than references. Some hematological indices such as hemoglobin (11.2 ±3.5, P<0.05), hematocrit, and ferritin were significantly lower than the standards (32.5 ±8.6 and 180 ±45, P<0.01). Conclusions: Nutritional deficiencies were prevalent in these patients. Therefore, it appears necessary to pay special attention to diet in thalassemic patients.

Background and Objective: Effort for improving athletic function makes athletes use stimulants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of consuming steroids on liver enzymes and blood factors in male bodybuilders.

Materials and Methods: Ex post facto design comprising  48 male bodybuilders (age 25.02 ± 4.73 years old, weight 80.75 ± 6.33 kg) were assigned to three groups of steroid- taking athletes (n₁ = 16), athletes with a history of steroid taking discarded it in the last three months (n₂ = 16), and athletes without a history of using steroids (n₃ = 16). Consequent to anthropometric measurements and one repetition maximum assessment, blood samples were taken after 12 hours of fasting. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for data analysis.

Results: Significant differences were found between the first group and other aforementioned groups in terms of their alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and hemoglobin levels
(p≤ 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between the second and third groups in the above mentioned variables (p≥ 0.05). There were significant differences among all groups in the level of hematocrit (p≤ 0.05). Also, in red blood cells, significant differences were seen between the first and third groups
(p≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme among groups
(p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion: Taking steroids by bodybuilder athletes can lead to harmful effects such as increased red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes level. The findings are supportive of the idea that even after giving up the use of steroids as long as three months, the damage continues to exist.