10 Essential Nutrients for Athletes
If you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and lean protein, you might think that you have enough vitamins and minerals. However, if you regularly go to the gym, that might not be the case. Some nutrients are crucial for your muscles to function properly, and intense exercise can cause the loss of certain minerals through sweating, according to Kelly L. Pritchett, R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In other words, being physically active can exhaust your nutrient reserves. Keep reading to find out which essential nutrients you may lack and how to increase your intake to enhance your performance.
- Vitamin B
B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism. It is necessary to take B12 vitamin daily since the body cannot produce it naturally. B12 vitamin plays various roles in metabolism, such as cell division, blood formation, energy production, building cell membranes, forming myelin sheaths to protect the nerves, developing hormones and neurotransmitters, and detoxifying homocysteine and nitric oxide. Clearly, this vitamin has multiple functions.
Vitamin B plays a crucial role in supporting energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production, making it an essential nutrient for triathlon training. The B-vitamin complex, which includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, helps convert carbohydrates into usable energy for endurance activities. It also aids in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, important for tissue repair and recovery. Triathletes may benefit from ensuring adequate intake of vitamin B through a balanced diet or supplements to support optimal energy levels, performance, and overall health during training and competitions.
Vitamin B12 is of interest to athletes because it plays a role in the creation of red blood cells. If there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, it may cause anaemia by hindering the maturation process of red blood cells. The symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, weakness, and palpitations, which occur because there is a decrease in the transportation of oxygen to the organs and muscles that are in use. Athletes, particularly those who are physically active, must make up for the lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen, due to their deficiency in vitamin B12.
- Calcium
The commercials were not wrong – milk is beneficial for the body. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the consumption of an extra cup of skim milk per day resulted in a 62 per cent decrease in the likelihood of runners developing stress fractures. The calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and protein found in milk greatly improved participants’ bone density, which is crucial for engaging in high-impact activities.
Calcium is a vital mineral for triathlon training due to its role in supporting bone health and minimizing the risk of stress fractures. Regular high-impact activities involved in triathlon, such as running, can put a strain on the bones, making calcium intake crucial. Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth, while also playing a role in muscle contraction and nerve function. Ensuring an adequate intake of calcium through dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, or supplements can help triathletes maintain optimal bone density and reduce the risk of injuries, supporting overall performance and long-term athletic success.
To obtain optimal benefits, consider incorporating the following into your diet: milk, yoghurt, leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in triathlon training. This powerful antioxidant supports immune function, helping triathletes maintain optimal health during intensive training periods. Vitamin C also aids in the synthesis of collagen, a protein essential for connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. This can promote injury prevention and faster recovery from exercise-induced damage. Additionally, vitamin C supports iron absorption, which is important for oxygen transport and energy production. Including foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, in the diet can help triathletes support their immune system and overall performance.
If you only focus on the amount of vitamin C you consume when you are experiencing a cold, it is time to alter your mindset. It has been proven that vitamin C aids the body in absorbing more iron. However, the majority of individuals primarily rely on vitamin C to reinforce their immune system. Nevertheless, this vitamin possesses additional benefits beyond boosting the immune system and aiding in iron absorption. It safeguards cells against oxidative stress, a critical aspect for athletes.
- Vitamin D
To maintain muscle function and bone health, endurance athletes should regularly consume vitamin D. However, obtaining an adequate amount of vitamin D solely from sunlight can be challenging for individuals, particularly those residing in areas with limited sun exposure. Athletes who do not engage in outdoor sports may face difficulties in meeting their vitamin D requirements.
Calcium absorption and utilization are dependent on adequate levels of vitamin D, making it essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of stress fractures during intense training. Additionally, vitamin D supports immune function, which is important for reducing the risk of illness and supporting overall performance. Furthermore, sufficient vitamin D levels have been associated with improved muscle strength and function. Triathletes should ensure they get enough sunlight exposure or consider supplementation to maintain optimal vitamin D levels and support their training and performance.
Supplements can be beneficial when included in a well-rounded sports diet to ensure an optimal intake of vitamin D.
- Vitamin E
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals generated during intense physical activity. This can aid in reducing muscle inflammation and promoting faster recovery. Vitamin E also plays a role in immune function and may support overall health during periods of intense training. Including sources of vitamin E in the diet, such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, can help triathletes maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient and support their performance and well-being.
According to a study published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology, nonsmokers who exercise can reduce their risk of pneumonia by 69 per cent by taking this oily antioxidant.
To increase your intake, consider incorporating sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanut butter into your diet.
- Iron
To improve the efficiency of your muscles, it is necessary to engage in weightlifting exercises. Spending an hour engaging in physical activity can cause a decrease of 5.7 per cent in your iron levels. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to your muscles through red blood cells. If you deplete your iron stores excessively, it can lead to the development of anaemia characterized by iron deficiency. This condition can cause fatigue and greatly reduce your endurance during long workout sessions.
To maximize your intake, include beef, eggs, spinach, broccoli, and fortified cereals in your diet.
- Magnesium
Regardless of the sport you engage in, it is crucial to prioritize magnesium. Ensure the maintenance of your muscle function over the long term by consuming a magnesium-rich diet or incorporating magnesium capsules into your routine.
To achieve top athletic performance, it is essential to have an adequate amount of magnesium. Magnesium is not only necessary for the proper functioning of muscle tension and relaxation but also plays a role in our energy and protein metabolism, as well as in supporting the flexibility of our joints. Due to the body’s inability to produce magnesium internally, it is crucial to ensure a daily intake of this mineral for the overall function of our body.
Magnesium makes sure that specific enzymes are released and create energy-rich compounds once the energy from our muscles is depleted. The muscle cells can only efficiently release their energy when our magnesium storage is adequately replenished.
- Potassium
Marathoners have a motivation to grab a banana after completing the race because it contains a significant amount of potassium, which helps prevent cramps and aid in faster recovery. The reason behind this is that potassium collaborates with sodium to ensure the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Additionally, it is considered the main electrolyte in intracellular fluid, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining water balance in the body. Consequently, it is crucial to consume a banana after a challenging workout or an outing that lasts longer than an hour.
You can obtain more benefits from sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, and tuna.
- Sodium
“Sodium” appears to be a taboo term in the health community. Due to its prevalence in processed and take-out food, many individuals must decrease their consumption. However, for those participating in endurance activities, solely relying on water for hydration and sweating out sodium could result in heat cramps or hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition characterized by a low sodium concentration in the blood. Pritchett suggests that individuals who notice a white film on their skin after exercising, sweat heavily, exercise in hot and humid conditions, or participate in endurance sports should closely monitor their sodium intake. To ensure adequate sodium levels during long or intense workout sessions, it is advised to keep salt packets in a pocket or FuelBelt and consume them during the workout.
Increase your supply of Gatorade, pretzels, and salted nuts.
- Zinc
Consuming a high amount of carbohydrates while restricting protein and fat can result in inadequate zinc levels among as many as 90 per cent of athletes, which can deplete energy and endurance. Additionally, recent studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture have revealed that reducing zinc intake can decrease cyclists’ ability to absorb oxygen, causing them to experience fatigue at a faster rate. To ensure sufficient mineral intake for a demanding training session, consider including a side of meatballs in your pre-race pasta dinner.
Obtain greater benefits from Red meat, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa.
The more sports, the greater the additional need for nutrients
Sports can be demanding both physically and mentally due to the combination of physical strength and concentration required. This leads to the draining of energy due to the physically demanding activities and the necessary focus. Additionally, endurance athletes lose minerals through sweating, making it crucial to maintain a balanced diet and supplement an active lifestyle.
