Sports nutrition supplements have
put the pieces of the puzzle together for strength
building and athletic performance
Every moment of your life, A
balanced sports
nutrition
supplement program, maybe standing between
you and optimum performance!
However, unless a
vitamin or mineral
deficiency exists
.......there is little evidence that extra intakes of
sports nutrition vitamins and minerals product will
improve performance.
Vitamins
Vitamins do not contain energy themselves. They help
the body use the energy nutrients. Many vitamins help
maintain normal body tissue. They act as a regulator and
are needed in only very small amounts.
Some athletes supplement their diets without question.
Using a simple sports nutrition multi-vitamin or mineral
supplement product that does not provide more than 100
percent of the Daily Value for any of the nutrients will
most likely not be harmful. However, "super" sports
nutrition supplements, taking large doses or megadoses, may
be harmful in the extreme.
Some vitamins such as vitamins A and D can be stored in
the body. Excesses of these vitamins can lead to
undesirable and destructive body changes such as
headaches, muscle and joint pains. In addition, many of
the sports nutrition vitamins and minerals work in balance
with each other. If one appears in a greater than normal
amount, the other vitamins or minerals become unbalanced
in supply. The advantage of getting vitamins by eating a
variety of foods is they usually come in balanced
proportions. There now are balanced sports nutrition
variety products that are balanced.
Studies that examine vitamin status of athletes
(American and Worldwide) compared to non-athletes indicate
no differences between the two groups. Supplementation
with water-soluble vitamins improved blood levels but the
improved levels did not enhance athletic performance.
As for antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin
C and beta-carotene, there is some concern that strenuous
or extreme physical activity produces a stress that may
require extra antioxidants. However, sports nutrition
supplementation product with these antioxidants does not
consistently show that athletic performance will be
improved. The taking of antioxidant supplements as an
extra protection is controversial. Without question,
athletes and those who exercise regularly should eat foods
such as fruits and vegetables that are rich in
antioxidants.
Minerals
Iron is one of the minerals of concern to some
athletes. In blood, iron is responsible for carrying
oxygen to body cells and removing carbon dioxide. Hence
the case for balanced sports nutrition supplements.
Athletes who may be at risk for iron deficiency fall
into one of four classifications:
-
- a) Females — due to loss of iron through menstrual
blood and, possibly, low iron intakes.
b) Adolescent males — due to extra needs of the growth
stage.
-
- c) Vegetarian athletes — due to lack of red meats
that contribute iron and other nutrients needed for
blood production.
-
d) Endurance athletes — due to a greater than usual loss
of iron through sweat.
To get adequate iron, eat a variety of iron-rich foods.
Lean meats provide an excellent source of iron. Enriched
breads and grain products and some dark, leafy green
vegetables are other iron sources. Eating foods rich in
vitamin C such as citrus fruits, juices and other fresh
fruits or vegetables along with iron-rich foods also will
help iron absorption. Further iron supplementation should
be only at the direction of a physician.
"Sports anemia" is a term often used to describe a low
hemoglobin condition that is relatively common at the
beginning of training. It is characterized by exhaustion
and fatigue. After adaptation to training, sports anemia
seems to subside. The severity and exact causes of this
condition have not yet been determined. Possible
explanation for this condition are inadequate dietary iron
intakes by athletes or the use of protein for tasks other
than red blood cell production during the early training
stages.
Calcium is another mineral of concern for female
athletes. Studies show females often shun dairy and milk
products which are the richest dietary calcium sources.
Low calcium intakes may put bone health at risk. Although
weight bearing exercise will help to strengthen bone
tissue, calcium also is required.
Female athletes whose menstrual cycles have stopped
have an increased risk of poor bone health. Cessation of
the menstrual cycle indicates a disruption of the normal
estrogen cycle. Low estrogen levels may lead to a loss of
calcium from bone tissue. Sports nutrition supplementation
may be very useful.
Dairy products should be included at least two to four
times daily in food plans for athletes. Low-fat dairy
products can be used if fat content is a concern. In
addition to dairy products, some calcium can be obtained
from leafy green vegetables and fish such as salmon or
sardines.
In general, most athletes consume diets
that provide adequate amounts of minerals. Athletes should
eat foods that are high in both vitamin and mineral value
rather than rely on supplements.
High quality sports nutrition supplements are
available at our store at discount prices.
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