[Comparative effectiveness of microelements added to the diet of athletes during training in different seasons]

Twenty-five athletes were entered into the study. Emission spectral analysis employed in the study demonstrated that during the spring-autumn months, there was a considerable decrease in the blood content of iron, copper and manganese as compared to that seen during autumn and winter. That decrease was associated with a negative trace elements balance in the body and low content thereof in the athletes' diet. Enrichment of the diets with iron, copper and manganese combined with vitamin C during winter was followed by a less marked effect on trace elements metabolism, the growing red fiber of the blood, working capacity and immune resistance versus the use of the same trace elements in the athletes' diet during summer. The greatest effect was attained upon the intake of trace elements in combination with ascorbic acid and dibazol.