[Hematologic repercussions of physical exercise in the mountains].

Marked decrease of serum ferritin was found in 28 cadets of the General Military Academy after a 15-day high-mountain drill period during which they practised ski 5 hours a day. No significant changes were found in serum iron, total iron binding capacity, vitamin B 12 and folates. Slight differences found in haemoglobin, white blood cell count and serum albumin were attributed to haemodilution. These findings were thought to be due to decreased iron stores leading neither to anaemia nor to diminished transferrin saturation.