Biochemical analysis
BLOOD
Blood analyses were performed 2 days before and after intervention at the same time of the day in a fasted and rested state. Data were obtained using an electronic hematology analyzer (Sysmex–SE9500, TOA Medical Electronics, Kobe, Japan). The outcomes measured were haemoglobin and hematocrit level, urea, iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation index, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D25 –OH and cortisol. The evaluation was based on the reference range (Table 3) indicated by the biochemical analysis laboratory.