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Trace mineral requirements for athletes
1Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Athletes may lose zinc due to exercise, potentially leading to inadequate intake, especially for females. While other trace minerals like copper, chromium, and selenium show altered levels with exercise, supplementation doesn't conclusively enhance athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Physiology
- Trace Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Athletes have unique nutritional demands due to intense physical activity.
- Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, chromium, and selenium play vital roles in metabolic processes.
- Understanding the impact of exercise on the requirements and status of these minerals is crucial for athlete health and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on the requirements of zinc, copper, chromium, and selenium in athletes.
- To assess the impact of exercise on the status of these trace minerals.
- To evaluate the evidence for trace mineral supplementation to enhance athletic performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating trace mineral requirements and status in athletes.
- Analysis of data on exercise-induced changes in zinc, copper, chromium, and selenium levels.
- Evaluation of research on the effects of supplementation on athletic performance.
Main Results:
- Exercise increases zinc loss, potentially causing inadequate intake in some athletes, particularly females.
- Exercise alters blood copper levels, but status is not compromised.
- Urinary chromium excretion increases with exercise, but requirements are unclear; intake may be insufficient.
- Selenium status in athletes is generally not altered.
- No conclusive evidence supports trace mineral supplementation for performance enhancement.
Conclusions:
- A micronutrient-rich diet is recommended for athletes.
- Supplementation with trace minerals is not conclusively proven to enhance performance.
- For athletes with concerns about dietary intake, a multivitamin/mineral supplement within the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) may be considered.