We have gathered information on vitamins and minerals that play an intricate part in sports nutrition. There are many other vitamins and minerals of equal importance in human nutrition. These are covered because they are either closely linked to physical activity, or are related to nutrient risks commonly faced by athletes.

 

B-VITAMINS

B-vitamins have a well-established role in energy metabolism and muscle function and, because of this role, are frequently taken in supplement form by athletes. These vitamins, which include thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin, pyridoxine (B-6), folacin, cyanocobalamin (B-12), pantothenic acid, and biotin, work together in energy metabolic processes. Taking supplements, in the absence of a known deficiency, does NOT improve athletic potential, and may introduce harmful side effects. Therefore, a balanced diet is the best approach to making certain you get enough of the B-vitamins.

 

 

• Thiamin Food Sources: Liver, pork, lean meats, wheat germ, whole grains, enriched breads, and cereals.
• Riboflavin Food Sources: Milk and milk products, liver, enriched breads, and cereals.
• Niacin Food Sources: Liver, poultry, fish, peanut butter.
• Pyridoxine Food Sources: Liver, herring and salmon, wheat germ and whole grains, lean meats.
• Folacin Food Sources: Liver, wheat bran, whole grains, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, legumes, orange juice
• Cyanocobalamin Food Sources: Foods of animal origin, specially prepared fermented yeasts, and fortified soy products.
• Biotin Food Sources: Egg Yolk, liver, and legumes.
• Pantothenic Acid Food Sources: Eggs, liver, wheat bran, peanuts, legumes, lean meats, spinach, and other vegetables.

 

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is involved in the manufacture of collagen, a connective tissue protein, and is also involved in the manufacture of thyroxin, a hormone that controls the rate at which energy is used. Vitamin C is also involved in the absorption of iron, resistance to infection, and metabolism (breakdown and build-up) of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

It is not clear from studies whether a marginal vitamin C status impairs athletic performance or work capacity. Therefore it does not appear that taking supplements, even when a good diet is consumed, is necessary for optimizing athletic performance. Toxicity symptoms to excessive vitamin C intake are rare.

 

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

 

• Microcytic anemia (small and inadequate red blood cells, limiting oxygen carrying capacity.)
• Purpura (small red dots appearing at the base of hair follicles, due to hemorrhage.)
• Easy hemorrhaging Depression
• Frequent infections

 

Symptoms of vitamin C toxicity (excess) include:

 

• Early red-cell breakdown
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea

 

Good Food Sources of Vitamin C include:

 

• Fresh Fruits
• Fruit Juices
• Vegetables
• Bean Sprouts

 

CALCIUM

While the recommendation for calcium is between 800 to 1,500 mg/day many athletes have an intake that is far less than this amount. Further, there is evidence that the current requirement is actually lower than it should be. These factors, coupled with the fact that exercise increases bone stress, suggest that more athletes should be concerned about their level of calcium intake. Inadequate calcium intake can increase the risk of stress fractures and, if there is inadequate intake during growth, may increase the risk of early osteoporosis (bone disease) later in life. Bones consist of living cells that are constantly changing (just like all other cells in the body). Providing enough calcium helps to assure that the bones will change in a positive direction.

 

Major functions of calcium include:

 

• Bone formation and bone strength
• Nerve impulse transmission
• Muscle contraction
• Blood clotting
• pH control
• Blood pressure control

 

The following foods contain about the same amount of calcium (297mg) as 8 oz (1 cup) of milk:

 

Cheddar Cheese l.5oz

Cottage Cheese 2 cups

Yogurt 1 cup

Processed Cheese 1.5 slices

Ice Cream 1.5 cups

Ice Milk 1.5 cups

Tofu 8 oz

Broccoli 2 cups

Collard Greens 1 cup

Turnip Greens 1 cup

Mustard Greens 1.5 cups

Salmon 4 oz

Sardines 2.5 oz

Orange Juice w/calcium 1 cup

 

Common calcium supplements and elemental calcium concentration:

 

Calcium gluconate 9% calcium

Calcium lactate 13% calcium

Calcium carbonate 40% calcium

 

IRON

Iron deficiency may lower athletic performance because of its involvement in carrying oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide. Many athletes may be at risk for iron deficiency because of poor iron intake, poor iron absorption, loss of iron in sweat, blood loss in the GI tract, and red blood cell breakdown.

 

A condition called sports anemia" has been reported in athletes"