Role of micronutrients in sport and physical activity

Many micronutrients play key roles in energy metabolism and, during strenuo us physical activity, the rate of energy turnover in skeletal muscle may be increased up to 20-100 times the resting rate. Although an adequate vitami n and mineral status is essential for normal health, marginal deficiency st ates may only be apparent when the metabolic rate is high. Prolonged strenu ous exercise performed on a regular basis may also result in increased loss es from the body or in an increased rate of turnover, resulting in the need for an increased dietary intake. An increased food intake to meet energy r equirements will increase dietary micronutrient intake, but athletes in har d training may need to pay particular attention to their intake of iron, ca lcium and the antioxidant vitamins.