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Nine men were examined during a three-week training requiring much physical effort. They were given nutrient, "LIVEX", enriched with iron. Hematological parameters as well as concentration of erythrocyte ATP and 2,3-DPG were determined before and after the experiment. Hematological parameters were determined using standard methods while Boehringer's test (Germany) was used for determining ATP and 2,3-DPG. The level of reticular cells was statistically higher after the experiment, and the increase in ATP and 2,3-DPG concentration was insignificant. A positive adaptation of energy metabolism after exogenous iron administration during physical effort was discussed.

Livex is a lyophilised preparation of the bovine blood which contains 70% of proteins and 0.3% of iron. Livex was given to 25 patients with iron deficiency anemia (group I), and 25 patients with lymphoreticular malignancies accompanied by iron deficiency with or without anemia. The dose was 5 g t.i.d. for 3 months. The majority of patients of group I were women. Excessive menstrual bleeding and chronic gastritis were most common causes of iron deficiency in this group. Livex statistically significantly increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, corrected reticulocyte count, mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, serum iron, percent transferrin saturation, and leukocyte count. Therapy produced significant increase in serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and percent transferrin saturation in patients with lymphoreticular malignancies.

Brown Livex, a preparation of animal blood in doses of 5.0 g twice daily was given to 33 patients with proliferative diseases of bone marrow and lymphatic system during and after treatment with cytostatic agents. The course of treatment was 3 months. The effect of the preparation was studied on the wellbeing of the patients, body weight, general fitness (Karnofsky scale) and the levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit and beta-lipoproteins. The control groups comprised 20 patients with similar diseases and similar cytostatic treatment. In the studied group a positive effect was observed of the preparation on weight gain (26 out of 33 patients), well-being (24 of 33) and general fitness (17 of 33). In the control group during the same-time of observation weight loss was noted in 11 of 20 cases, well-being deterioration in 7 of 20, and decreased general fitness in 7 of 20. Livex treatment had no effect on haemoglobin level, haematocrit value, total serum protein, albumins and beta-lipoproteins.