2.2. Experimental Design
This study used a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. All participants received the AA or placebo (PLA) treatment for 5 days (4 g/dose, 3 doses/day) [Prior to each exercise trial, participants were asked to abstain from strenuous exercise for 24 h. On the main trial day (day 6), they arrived at the laboratory following an overnight fast. Exercise testing on day 6 in both trials (AA and PLA) started at 08:00–09:00 to minimize the effects of diurnal variations on IL-6 and hepcidin levels [