Effects of different exercise levels on serum trace element concentrations.
Yumeng Xue1, Lei Zhang2, Fei Fei3
1Faculty of Management, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563006, China.
Scientific Reports
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Training intensity significantly impacts trace element levels in male athletes. Professional runners showed lower zinc, iron, and copper, but higher manganese, compared to sedentary individuals, indicating altered nutrient status with exercise.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Trace elements like zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and selenium are crucial for physiological functions.
- Physical training intensity can influence the metabolism and serum concentrations of these essential micronutrients.
- Understanding these relationships is vital for optimizing athletic performance and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying training levels on serum trace element concentrations in male athletes.
- To correlate specific trace element levels with different intensities of physical exercise.
- To assess oxidative stress markers and copper/zinc ratios in relation to high-intensity training.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) were measured.
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with kinetic energy discrimination (KED) was employed.
- Participants included professional runners (n=20), amateur runners (n=22), and sedentary subjects (n=25).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in Zn, Fe, Cu, and Se levels were observed between professional runners and sedentary subjects.
- Manganese levels were significantly higher in both amateur and professional groups compared to sedentary individuals.
- Professional athletes exhibited lower Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations than amateur athletes, alongside elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and Cu/Zn ratio, indicating increased oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Training level is significantly correlated with serum trace element concentrations, with notable inverse relationships for Zn, Fe, Cu, and Se, and a positive correlation for Mn.
- High-intensity training is associated with increased oxidative stress and altered copper-to-zinc ratios.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring trace element status in athletes undergoing different training regimens.
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