Selenium Concentrations in Soccer Players During a Sports Season: Sex Differences

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral for athletic performance and recovery.
• Understanding Se status in athletes is vital for optimizing health and performance.
• Sex-based differences and seasonal variations in Se levels are not well-established in soccer players.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in plasma, urinary, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations.
• To analyze seasonal variations in Se levels in soccer players.
• To test the hypothesis of significant sex differences and seasonal fluctuations in Se levels.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two male and twenty-four female soccer players participated.
• Three assessments were conducted during the season, including anthropometry, body composition, fitness, and nutritional intake.
• Plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Se intake were observed between sexes.
• Males exhibited higher Se concentrations in plasma, urine, and platelets (p < 0.05).
• Females showed significantly higher erythrocyte Se concentrations (p < 0.05).
• Plasma and platelet Se concentrations progressively increased throughout the soccer season (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Sex influences Se distribution in different blood components among soccer players.
• Seasonal monitoring of Se status is important for athletes.
• Maintaining adequate Se levels is crucial for immune and antioxidant functions, impacting performance and recovery.