Thursday, August 02, 2007

Part 2: Minerals and Exercise Performance

Consuming mineral supplements above recommended levels on a long or-short term basis does not benefit exercise performance or enhance training responsiveness.

Mineral Loss in Sweat

Excessive water and electrolyte loss impairs heat tolerance and exercise performance. It also leads to severe dysfunction culminating in heat cramps, heat exhaustion/stroke. During an event a male athlete may lose up to 5kg of water from sweating. This corresponds to 8g of salt depletion, because 1kg of sweat contains 1.5 g of salt.

Trace Mineral & Exercise

Strenuous exercise may increase excretion of chromium, copper, zinc and manganese.

There are many supplements athletes may take but for most athletes, trace mineral deficiency does not compromise exercise performance or overall health.

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